Statement released on Dec 5 by Archbishops Brown Turei, Philip Richardson and Winston Halapua upon learning of the death of Nelson Mandela.

“The only fit response we can make is to call our church to prayer.

“To thank God, in the first place, for the life of this wonderful man, and for his remarkable witness to reconciliation and for his contribution to the peace of South Africa and of the world.

“And to pray for his family, and for his beloved South Africa.

“May Nelson Mandela rest in peace, and rise in Glory, and may light perpetual shine upon him.”