Congregational Christian Church Appoints new Deputy Chairman

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 MAY 2023: The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) has appointed Reverend Esera Auatama as the new Deputy Chairman.

The appointment was made during the CCCS annual General Assembly conference that started at Malua today.

“The new Deputy Chairman will only be in the position for 4 days and after the conference on Friday, he will take over as Chairman of CCSS,” said the current Chairman Reverend Elder Tunumoso Soliola Iosia.

Reverend Esera is currently serving at the Sapapalii Congregational church in Savaii.

According to the church protocol, the main conference where important issues pertaining to the church and its members cannot convene unless the whole Executive is present.

The passing of the late Deputy Chairman, Reverend Elder Iosefa Uilelea last year, left the seat vacant until today.

Reverend Iosefa Uilelea was supposed to take the helm as the CCCS Chairman after this week’s conference but he passed away in New Zealand in December 2022.

Reverend Tunumoso called for a minute of silence to remember him and members of the church that could not make it to the conference this year.

The appointment of the Deputy Chairman was the first on the conference agenda today.

Following are six of the names that were up for election and the number of votes they got.

Reverend Esera Auatama – 234

Reverend Palemia Tauiliili – 191

Reverend Asotasi Gu Time -109

Reverend Enefatu Lesa – 102

Reverend Tauaaga Mataafa – 87 and

Reverend Moli Moli – 63