Understanding the Church and Training from Which the Cook Islander Missionaries Brought the Christian Message to Papua New Guinea in the 1870s

Abstract

Seeking better understanding of the Rarotongan church, training institution, and mission background shaping Cook Islander missionaries to Papua New Guinea in the 1870s, this article surveys Pacific Islanders’ methodologies in establishing the Cook Islands Church, before focusing on 1867–77 when James and Jane Chalmers served as London Missionary Society (LMS) missionaries at Takamoa Institution, and Joseph Mullens steered LMS work globally. By exploring church and missionary interactions in church life, general education, the Takamoa Institution, relations with community leaders on societal issues, and on islands staffed solely by Cook Islanders, the article traces Chalmers's understanding of the gospel's missionary nature, of Cook Islanders’ competence controlling their own affairs, and of churches supporting local leaders for community independence. With Mullens's wholehearted support, Chalmers promoted such understanding for further mission and Pacific missionary training. The article concludes that during this decade, the Rarotonga church developed a legacy for future generations to embrace and sustain.