Death of the King of Tonga - Taufa'ahau Tupou IV

11 September 2006

The Uniting Church today expressed its condolences to the people of Tonga and to the Queen and the royal family of Tonga following news that the King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died overnight.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died in New Zealand on Sunday evening 10th Sept after a long illness. He ruled the Kingdom of Tonga for 41 years.

The Uniting Church has a close affinity with the Royal family and the Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga, with which it has had a long standing partnership. King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was a lay preacher in the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga.

Uniting Church President, the Rev. Gregor Henderson, said the death of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was a great loss.

“The Uniting Church joins with Tongan Australians in expressing our condolences to the Queen, members of the Royal family and the people of Tonga during this difficult time.

“Through our partnership with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, members of the Uniting Church have maintained an on-going relationship between the two churches and their leaders. Leaders and members of the Tongan National Conference of the Uniting Church will be meeting for thanksgiving services for the life of the King in locations across the country later this week.

“King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV will be sadly missed. His death is not only a loss for the Tongan community but for the Tongan Church. His reign of 41 years was marked by profound Christian concerns for the Kingdom of Tonga and for Tongans throughout the world.”

The funeral will be held this Saturday with religious services on the Friday prior. With Rev. Henderson currently travelling internationally, the Uniting Church will be represented by the former President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, who visited Tonga four times during his Presidency.

ENDS

Media Contact: Gavin Melvin, Manager, National Media and Communication – 0417 416 674