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Religion remains an important part of Vanuatu society. While officially a secular state ensuring freedom of religion, the Constitution also enshrines the importance of Christian principles in the conduct of government. There are many Christian sects in Vanuatu, and one cannot say that the colonial rivalry between Catholicism and Protestantism has totally disappeared.

Catholic Mass

This is because the Catholic Church was so closely identified with both the French language and France itself. As a result, the patriotism of Francophones–who also happen to be Catholic–has long been suspect. Europeans, Australians and New Zealanders also keep the foreign missionary tradition alive.

Mission schools are still important for education. This is particularly true of the Catholic Mission schools. Even in farflung villages throughout the archipelago, the Catholic Mission schools successfully promoted French during the first decade of governmental hositility towards Francophonie.

Unmet Church, Molten Lava Altar

Molten Lava Church Altar (Craig Cove, Ambrym)