Congregation In Turmoil Over Rev. Atapana Alama’s Death

Written by Pio Sioa
Sunday, 27 January 2008
The Magiagi Congregation of the EFKS has been left in turmoil after the sudden death of the late Rev. Atapana Alama in New Zealand on Thursday night Samoan time. The unexpected passing of the deeply loved and revered leader of the congregation and of the Magiagi village itself is a major blow for them. A congregation spokesman Rev. Suva Huch says they are still trying to come to terms with what to do now. ‘We had a meeting last night (Friday) and we couldn’t do much until arrangements have been firmed up for the return of his body to Samoa,” Rev. Huch told Newsline yesterday. Several senior members of the congregation flew out on Friday to be with the grieved wife Ramona who was in New Zealand with her husband throughout his prolonged medical absence. The 61-year-old Rev. Alama died at Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand from a severe brain haemorrhage caused by a minor stroke. He was recovering at home in Auckland after heart surgery and was reportedly looking forward to returning to Samoa after being away before Christmas. Attempts by doctors to operate when he was rushed in for emergency attention were reportedly aborted when severe bleeding was discovered in the brain. Rev. Alama’s death has also disrupted transitional leadership plans by the Congregational Church of Samoa, EFKS, for their annual general conference in May. Rev. Alama was the Chairman designate and was scheduled to take over from Rev. Situfu Tanielu whose tenure in office ends in May. Newsline understands from sources that the current chairman is likely to sit out the year long term for the late Rev. Alama. A new Chairman designate will be appointed during the May conference of the EFKS. Rev. Alama also represented the church in several government boards and other service organizations. His body is scheduled to be flown home on Wednesday. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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