PACIFIC ISLANDER PASTORS AND MISSIONARIES: SOME HISTORIOGRAPHICAL AND ANALYTICAL ISSUES

Authors

Doug Munro, Stout Research Center, Victoria University of Wellington
Andrew Thornley, Pymble Ladies’ College

Abstract

In global terms, the deployment of indigenous pastors and their equivalents in the dissemination of Christianity was unusual. A notable exception was in the Pacific Islands, where the widespread use of native teachers and preachers was a feature of the missionization process. Their role was not adequately reflected in the historiography of the region until the publication of Ron and Marjorie Crocombes’ seminal book The Works of Ta‘unga in 1968. The Crocombes inspired an outpouring of research on pastors and teachers, which this article describes, categorizes, and assesses. The article concludes with suggestions for further research.

Recommended Citation

Munro, Doug and Thornley, Andrew (2000) "PACIFIC ISLANDER PASTORS AND MISSIONARIES: SOME HISTORIOGRAPHICAL AND ANALYTICAL ISSUES," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 23: No. 3, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol23/iss3/1