Next month, the territory’s population goes up when the bi annual meeting of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa convenes at Kanana fou.
Like other main line churches, CCCAS is grappling with the issue of losing members to some of the newer faiths, some of which have been started by children of CCCAS faifeau.
According to CCCAS Secretary Rev. Reupena Alo, this issue is a concern to some church leaders and not to others.
Rev. Reupena says from his own observations the reason why young people are leaving the church is because they are attracted to the way of worship of the new denominations.
He says perhaps the youth has found the church’s way of worship boring.
But whatever it is that’s luring the young people away from the church, said the church secretary, we are all worshiping the same God.
The reverend stressed an individual has the freedom to choose which religion they are to serve God in.
While some church leaders did not show concern about members leaving the fold, in his position as Secretary, he feels that they should be.
Rev. Alo explained that there are programs such as revival and outreach initiatives the church is planning to strengthen the spiritual lives of its members especially the youth.
The church is currently conducting a survey in every parish and congregation to document the number of church memebrs. When a count was conducted 20-years ago the number stood at 30,000 plus.
The results of the survey will be made known at the 31st Bi-annual CCCAS General Conference which will open July 17th at the church headquarters in Kanana Fou.
There’ll be standing committee meetings prior to the official opening.
The Committees are the Elders Committee, Education, Budget, Mission, Development and Miscellaneous,
