Archbishop Leonard Dawea's announcement on the passing of Archbishop Sir David Vunagi follows in full below.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you all of the passing of the Late Right Reverend Sir David Vunagi this afternoon. After being unwell for some time, he was called to rest today in the loving arms of our Lord at his home in Okea, North Guadalcanal.

Sir David dedicated his life to faithful service in the Church, beginning his journey as a schoolteacher before heeding God’s call to ministry. He was ordained as a deacon, then as a priest, and later consecrated as a bishop. He served as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Temotu from 1999 to 2009 and, in 2009, was elected as the fifth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Bishop of the Diocese of Central Melanesia, a role he held with great wisdom and humility until his retirement in 2015.

Even in retirement, his service to the people continued. While serving as Principal of Selwyn College in 2019, he was elected by the then Government of Solomon Islands as the Governor General, a role he held until 2024. Throughout his leadership in both Church and State, he upheld the same dedication, integrity, and humility that defined his life.

Sir David was a man of deep faith, firm commitment, and profound humility—qualities that earned him respect and admiration, not only within the Anglican Church of Melanesia but across the nation and beyond. His passing is a tremendous loss to our Church and our country.

On behalf of my family, the Senior Bishop and his family, the Council of Bishops and their families, the General Secretary, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi and his family and the whole of ACoM community both in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and parts of New Caledonia, we extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

May we all find comfort in the assurance that our dear brother in Christ now rests in eternal peace with our Lord.

We pray that God’s peace and strength be upon Lady Mary Vunagi, Fr. Dudley and family, Rusilla and family, Douglas and family, and his extended family during this time of grief.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23)

May his soul rest in eternal peace.