The Diocese of Polynesia is grieving the death of Bishop Dr. ‘Afa Vaka, who passed away peacefully on 13 April in Auckland.
Bishop Vaka, 74, was the first constitutionally-appointed Anglican bishop of Tonga, serving from 2017 until his retirement in 2019. His leadership marked a significant milestone for Tongan Anglicans seeking greater autonomy within the Diocese of Polynesia.
Born in July 1950, Vaka was deeply rooted in the Anglican faith, with multiple family members also ordained. After graduating as head boy from St Andrew’s High School in 1970, he dedicated over three decades to education there, eventually becoming principal. He earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of the South Pacific and later a PhD from Faith Seminary in Tonga.
Ordained as a deacon in 2003 and as a priest in 2004, Vaka returned to Tonga in 2006 to serve as a training officer. In 2010, he became Priest-in-Charge at St Barnabas Anglican Church. His consecration as bishop in 2017 was described by Vaka as “like a flower blooming. Or a bird that has begun to fly”.
Bishop Vaka’s body was repatriated to Tonga yesterday. A funeral service, led by the Most Reverend Sione Silongo Uluilakepa, Bishop of the Diocese of Polynesia. will take place at St Paul’s Anglican Church tomorrow 25 April at 11:00 am.
His legacy as an educator, spiritual leader, and advocate for Tongan Anglicans will be long remembered.
