1. What are the most burning issues you are facing regarding the role of the churches in your society?

∙        Climate change - the potential threat of Kiribati submerged under water as the level of sea water rises; the islands becoming incapable to supporting life on coral islands that measure on average four meters above sea level.

∙        Violence against women and children - a recent study (2008) has revealed that the level of violence is at 86%.

∙        Unemployment - the workforce in Kiribati (Government, churches and other private sectors) are unable to provide for employment opportunities. More than 50% of the Kiribati population of 98,000 comprises people under 21 years of age.

∙        Poor economic power of young people to earn adequately - many young women have become “sex workers” to overseas shipping vessels (Korea, Taiwan, etc) operating in Kiribati waters.

∙        Marriage problems caused by the high number of young married men leaving their wives and families to work on overseas merchant ships.

2. How can the fellowship of member churches support the churches in the situation you are facing?

∙        Share existing programs, i.e. climate change, of other member churches of the fellowship with Kiribati.

∙        Share internationally the issues regarding climatic dangers to be faced by the people of Kiribati.

∙        Lobby to international communities and governments regarding their moral responsibilities to fellow human beings whose lives and livelihood are bound to be affected by climate change.

3. In which regard and how can your experience enrich and be of relevance to the fellowship?

∙        Invite participation from Kiribati on international forums that address issues facing the people of Kiribati.

∙        Create a forum whereby issues facing Christians from small island nations are shared with fellow Christians in the fellowship.

∙        Solidarity within the fellowship be strengthened by having some members of the fellowship visit those whose issues are voiced and shared in the fellowship.