The leader and founder of the Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church (SISDAC), Alaimoana Pastor Willie Papu, has passed away at the age of 86.

One of the Church's pastors has posted that Pastor Willie passed away at his home in Mangere, New Zealand, at 1:32 am (NZ Time).

The SISDAC leader founded the church in 1983 with his wife, Elizabeth Papu.  This was highlighted by members of the congregation, who said it was full of challenges.

The pastor of the church said that, despite health challenges, Pastor Papu managed to preach to the church members one more time during the celebration of his 86th birthday in Mangere on 7 February, with all the leaders of the churches from different countries.

Members of the church are mourning the passing of the church's patriarch. It has been revealed that the leaders of the church, Pastor Iafeta Masipa'u and Treasurer Pastor Lagolago Levae, were in Samoa when Pr Papu passed away.

Further notices of the SISDAC leader's funeral services will be made known to members of the church not only in Samoa but around the world.