The keynote speaker at the opening of the 36th General Assembly of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa says the church must take a decisive stand and speak out against deep sea mining.

Speaking to more than 600 delegates and church members who packed the Ua Taunuu Church at Kanana-fou Monday morning, Rev. Dr. Upolu Luma Vaai, Vice Chancellor and Professor of Theology & Ethics at the Pasifica Communities University in Suva, Fiji said there are too many unanswered questions regarding the proposal to explore and extract minerals from waters near American Samoa. He said it was appropriate that the church speak out to protect the sea and environment as well as future generations. His paper was delivered in Samoan and was based on the theme of the General Assembly, “GOD Takes Residence in Creation.” 

Rev Dr Vaai, a graduate of Tafuna High School and the American Samoa Community College said as part of the social justice mission of the church, it must take a stand against actions that affect those who are vulnerable.  He shared his views in an interview with KHJ News.

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Rev Dr Vaai emphasized that the deep sea mining plan is not merely environmental, it is cultural, ethical, and above all, spiritual. He said many questions remain unanswered at this time and suggested that the appropriate action to take at this time is a moratorium on deep sea mining. He said this is something that the Pacific Conference of Churches advocates.

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The General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution opposing deepsea mining in local waters at the conclusion of the church conference on Friday.