A Samoan theologian Reverend Dr. Sam Amosa is of the belief that churches in Samoa need to be more involved in the public space.

He made the comments during his address at a two-day annual conference of the Ekalesia Kerisiano So'ofa'atasi in Samoa from 28–29 September 2023. The conference was led by Chairman Reverend Elder Talosaga Hitila and is supported by the church minister of the UCCS Urban Ministry, Rev. Bismark Tamati, and the secretary of the Church Union, Faletua Leilani Tamati. The theme for the conference this year was “Reaping What You Sow".

Rev. Dr Sam Amosa of the National University of Samoa said: “Doing theology in the public space (vaipanoa faalaua’itele), the task of public theology is to be prophetic and speak into the public spaces against issues or signs of the times that affect the common good of society."

He said the church needs to become a public church, with public faifeau (church ministers).

“The pulpit needs to move from inside the church buildings and out into the vaipanoa fa’alauaitele where the new congregation (aulotu) is now located," said Rev. Dr Sam Amosa. "The new congregation (aulotu) are the stakeholders working collaboratively with police, government, private sectors, non-government organizations, education, and tertiary institutions to help in moving and advancing approaches on ways to address social issues, and thus giving feet or moving Samoa forward.”

UNESCO representative Faletua Angharad Toma Sagaga presented findings and addressed the impact of domestic and family violence. The UN agency,  in its collaboration, works with various government agencies and the private sector through their Spotlight Initiative program. 

Rev. Maauga Motu, the Fono Ekalesia Soofatasi secretary, held a sermon and shared the biblical version of the theme of the conference on its final day. 

“The much-needed sharing and viewpoints from the participants were astonishing. Even if we live each day, some of us are too blind to see the love of God for us every day. The power of Christ can transform human lives,” he said.

This year's annual conference marked the three-year union of the Ekalesia Kerisiano So'ofa'atasi in Samoa and the Uniting Christian Church in Samoa since its establishment in 2020.