Since first attending a church function when I first arrived, the way in which Tumata’s church and its congregation is composed is unlike the structure of American Protestantism or Catholicism that I'm familiar with. I hope my explanation is clear enough to understand, and there are a few other "levels" I left out so as to simplify the structure.
Together, there are nine Protestant “districts” of churches in French Polynesia. Tumata’s church is in the second district, which includes southern Tahiti. Within those districts, each church is known by their town’s location. From there, each church’s congregation is divided into amuira’a. Having at least 100 people per amuira’a, three amuira’a is a good number, and Papara has nine amuira’a! Side note: “Amuira’a” is Tahitian, and there is no plural in the language.
Though there are leadership positions within my Methodist church, and other churches across America, there are usually only a small number—secretary, treasurer, etc. Yet, in Tumata’s church, each amuira’a has roles that need to be filled, allowing for more people to be involved from within the congregation. The more that people are involved, the more they make God a part of their life…the more they feel included…and don’t just worship on Sundays.
Each amuira’a is slightly distinctive from the others. For example, one of the amuira’a at Tumata’s church is known for its original hats uniquely designed, such as with feathers. Tumata’s amuira’a is known for their singing.
Women in an amuira’a who are known for their hats.
Within each amuira’a there is a “president.” The president is responsible for leading the group, and one of his responsibilities is to represent the amuira’a and keep the group updated on the church’s activities. He can also give the sermon at Sunday’s sermon.
Part of the president’s wife’s job is to be involved with the church’s women’s associations. While she leads the women’s association group within the amuira’a, there are five other leadership positions. Viviane, Tumata’s mom for example, is the secretary. This is the same for all other amuira’a as well. So, for Papara alone, there are 54 leaders as part of the women’s association (9 amuira’a X 6 positions within each).
At the first of every year, each president’s wife chooses a print and color for their amuira’a. For the rest of the year, the amuira’a can wear their print, which is designed to be a dress, shirt, or skirt, so as to identify with their amuira’a. They can also wear prints from previous years as well.
When joining an amuira’a, members can check to see if they know someone in the group. It could be a friend or relative, or they “try” an amuira’a to learn if that’s where they want to be. For most members though, they are or were “born” into their amuira’a because their parent, who was also born into it, is part of that specific group.
The reason behind the flashy hats? There is none. “Because they’re pretty,” according to Tumata, and it expresses individuality. But as far as the structure of the congregation and the significance of the amuira’a, it is to keep people practicing. When you join an amuira’a, which most members are but not required to, God and church becomes a part of your everyday life; there is a church event or meeting to attend almost every night of the week if you want to.
Not only are there nine amuira’a in Papara, but each group sings their own song, of their own choosing, every Sunday. It can be a traditional Tahitian hymn or tweaked, which Tumata’s amuira’a uses the beat but inserts original lyrics. This allows for each group to worship in a way of their choosing. Some groups choose songs from their origin of heritage- remember most people are born into an amuira’a- such as Bora or Raiatea or other island. It also teaches members to be prepared for God and their express their devotion to Him.
Together, there are nine Protestant “districts” of churches in French Polynesia. Tumata’s church is in the second district, which includes southern Tahiti. Within those districts, each church is known by their town’s location. From there, each church’s congregation is divided into amuira’a. Having at least 100 people per amuira’a, three amuira’a is a good number, and Papara has nine amuira’a! Side note: “Amuira’a” is Tahitian, and there is no plural in the language.
Though there are leadership positions within my Methodist church, and other churches across America, there are usually only a small number—secretary, treasurer, etc. Yet, in Tumata’s church, each amuira’a has roles that need to be filled, allowing for more people to be involved from within the congregation. The more that people are involved, the more they make God a part of their life…the more they feel included…and don’t just worship on Sundays.
Each amuira’a is slightly distinctive from the others. For example, one of the amuira’a at Tumata’s church is known for its original hats uniquely designed, such as with feathers. Tumata’s amuira’a is known for their singing.
Women in an amuira’a who are known for their hats.
Within each amuira’a there is a “president.” The president is responsible for leading the group, and one of his responsibilities is to represent the amuira’a and keep the group updated on the church’s activities. He can also give the sermon at Sunday’s sermon.
One of the president’s giving the sermon.
Part of the president’s wife’s job is to be involved with the church’s women’s associations. While she leads the women’s association group within the amuira’a, there are five other leadership positions. Viviane, Tumata’s mom for example, is the secretary. This is the same for all other amuira’a as well. So, for Papara alone, there are 54 leaders as part of the women’s association (9 amuira’a X 6 positions within each). At the first of every year, each president’s wife chooses a print and color for their amuira’a. For the rest of the year, the amuira’a can wear their print, which is designed to be a dress, shirt, or skirt, so as to identify with their amuira’a. They can also wear prints from previous years as well.
When joining an amuira’a, members can check to see if they know someone in the group. It could be a friend or relative, or they “try” an amuira’a to learn if that’s where they want to be. For most members though, they are or were “born” into their amuira’a because their parent, who was also born into it, is part of that specific group.
The reason behind the flashy hats? There is none. “Because they’re pretty,” according to Tumata, and it expresses individuality. But as far as the structure of the congregation and the significance of the amuira’a, it is to keep people practicing. When you join an amuira’a, which most members are but not required to, God and church becomes a part of your everyday life; there is a church event or meeting to attend almost every night of the week if you want to.
Not only are there nine amuira’a in Papara, but each group sings their own song, of their own choosing, every Sunday. It can be a traditional Tahitian hymn or tweaked, which Tumata’s amuira’a uses the beat but inserts original lyrics. This allows for each group to worship in a way of their choosing. Some groups choose songs from their origin of heritage- remember most people are born into an amuira’a- such as Bora or Raiatea or other island. It also teaches members to be prepared for God and their express their devotion to Him.
By now you may have noticed that the traditional American Protestant congregation is structured differently from Tahitian Protestant congregation. Where we show up at church, worship, leave, and return to it the next Sunday—if we’re lucky. Here, the members of each amuira’a are bonded together by not only through God, but also through their heritage. While some members have grown up together, or their grandparents inhabitant the same island, their history is apparent within the amuira’a, unlike us in America who attend and leave church as individuals, and do not see other church members until the following Sunday. Here I am, attending a church with over 900 members, yet they remember their history together.
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