Ini Kopuria was an Anglican missionary and police officer from the Solomon Islands who lived from 1900 until 1945. After receiving an education at Anglican schools on Pamua and Norfolk Island, he served in the police force. Following a spiritual vision during his recovery from a leg injury, he decided to dedicate his life to spreading Christianity. In 1925, he established the Melanesian Brotherhood, a community of men dedicated to missionary work in remote areas of Melanesia.
Life and mission
While serving as a policeman, Kopuria visited many remote villages. After experiencing a divine vision, he sought the support of Bishop John Manwaring Steward to form a religious community. In October 1925, he took vows to renounce marriage, personal property, and independent action. To support this new mission, he donated his family land at Tabalia to the Brotherhood, which grew to include six members by the following year.
Veneration
Kopuria is recognized as a saint within the Anglican tradition. Both the Church of England and the Anglican Church of Melanesia include him in their calendars of saints. In the Church of England, his memory is specifically commemorated on 6 June.