The annual conference of the biggest church in the territory, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa kicks off next Sunday with an opening church service at Kanana fou.
There are 600 delegates to the biennial conference of which about 200 are from the US mainland, Hawaii and Alaska, New Zealand and Australia.
Off island branches of the church have been established in several states on the west coast, mid west and east coast, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. There are also CCCAS congregations in New Zealand and Australia.
When they attend the conference, it’s not just the delegates to the General Assembly who travel here, but large groups including the youth and women who will also be holding meetings during the conference.
Acting CCCAS General Secretary Rev. Ioelu Onesemo said in an interview yesterday that the agenda of the general conference is still being finalized.
But one can expect the status of the Kananafou schools, the missionary work of the church and church finances to be included.
The current chairman of the CCCAS, Rev. Elder Mamoe Eveni will step down after he chairs this year’s general conference and will be replaced by Rev. Elder Saifoloi Faaetete.
Delegates will elect a new vice chairman and also cast ballots for the position of Treasurer now held by Mrs Fiasili Haleck and the position of general secretary now held by Rev. Ioelu Onesemo.
With so many off island delegates here the CCCAS conference sees brisk business for rental cars, restaurants and retail stores.
