Faculty
Vaitusi Nofoaiga FS
PRINCIPAL OF MALUA
Professor of New Testament
HOD New Testament
View Details
Staff Development on study leave
Kara Ipiniu FS
PhD candidate
(University of Divinity, Melbourne)
Practical Theology
Tutoatasi Toalima FS
PhD candidate
(Victoria University)
Church History
Clarke Stowers FS
PhD candidate
(University of Auckland)
Church History
Administration
Alesana Pala'amo
Librarian
Panorama Setu
Bursar
Visesio Saga
Master Programme Co-ordinator
Mile Nofoaiga
Cert. Early Childhood,
Dip. Theological Studies
Kindergarten
Tanaria Kolia
Senior Library Assistant
Pauline Esera
Senior Library Assistant
Elizabeth Semitone
College Secretary
Staff Profiles
Rev. Prof. Vaitusi Nofoaiga
PhD, MTh Hons, BD, BA
Contact Details:
Email: nofoaigavaitusi@gmail.com
principal@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303 ext 110
Qualifications:
| PhD | The University of Auckland, New Zealand | 2014 |
| MTh Hons | The University of Auckland, New Zealand | 2007 |
| BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2004 |
| Diploma of Teaching | Wellington College of Education, New Zealand | 1996 |
| BA | Victoria University, New Zealand | 1995 |
RESEARCH: Book, Book Chapters, Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Books
- Su’esu’ega o le Tusi o Fa’aaliga. Malua Printing Press: Apia, Samoa, 2024.
- Samoan Reading of Discipleship in Matthew. SBL Press: Atlanta, 2017.
Book Chapters
- “Professor Elaine Wainwright’s Silasila Mamao (Watching from a Distance) and Matthew 27.55-56: Biblical Studies and Women in the Samoan Christian World.” In Habitats of the Basileia: Essays in Honour of Elaine M. Wainwright, edited by Robert Myles, Emily Colgan and Caroline Blyth, 221 – 234. UK: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2024.
“Earth Came to Help a Woman: Mythopoeic Language and Discipleship in Revelation 12:1-7.” In Bible Blindspots: Dispersion and Othering, edited by Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon and Jione Havea, 171-184. Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021.
- “O le pa’u a le popo uli: A Coconut Discipleship Reading of Matthew 12:46-50 and 28:16-20.” In Theologies from the Pacific, edited by Jione Havea, 207-217. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2021.
- “Enacting Sociorhetorical Interpretation in the Island Nation of Samoa in Oceania.” In Welcoming the Nations: International Sociorhetorical Explorations, edited by Vernon K. Robbins and Roy R. Jeal, 57-70. SBL Press: Atlanta, 2020.
- “Jesus the Fiaola (Opportunity Seeker): A Postcolonial Reading of Matthew 7:24-8:22.” In Sea of Readings: The Bible in the South Pacific, edited by Jione Havea, 163-178. SBL Press: Atlanta, 2018.
- “A Samoan Reading of Judas’s Betrayal of Jesus.” In Point of View Publishing: Customized Course Readings, 2018. https://www.pointofviewpublishing.com/
Dissertations
- “Towards a Samoan Postcolonial Reading of Discipleship in the Matthean gospel.” PhD Thesis, University of Auckland, 2014.
- “Crowds as Jesus’ Disciples in the Matthean Gospel.” MTh Thesis, University of Auckland, 2006.
Journal Articles
“Suffering in Discipleship: A Sociorhetorical Reading of 1 Peter 4:1–19.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 55–67.
- “The Gracious Torah of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew: Christ in the Parable of the Sower as an Example (13:1–23).” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 50–64.
- “Tautuaileva: A Samoan Hermeneutic to Explore Egalitarianism in the Bible.” The Journal of Samoan Studies 10 (2020): 60-69.
- “Fafine Tigā Fanau (Faaaliga 12:1-17): Pepa Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau i Malua 2018.” Malua Journal 1 (2019).
- “Faavae o le Loto fuatiaifo lelei i le soifua faitaulaga mo le Atua (2 Korinito): Pepa Mafutaga Faifeau i Malua 2017.” Malua Journal 1 (2018).
- “Occupation as a blessing – An intertextual reading of the star in Matthew 2:1-12 and the star of Jacob in Numbers 24:14-19: Paper for Oceania Biblical Association Conference in Auckland 2017.” Malua Journal 1 (2018).
- “Vaaiga i le Agaga o le Atua, o le faavae (petra not petros) e atia’e ai le Ekalesia: Pepa o le Fono Tele EFKS 2016.” Malua Journal 1 (2017).
- “Avea ma soo i le lotoifale (fesootaiga ma le upu Eleni o le ebastazen (ave – carry)): ‘O ia lava na na aveina o tatou vaivai, ma na tauave o tatou ma’i’ (Mataio 8:17): Pepa Mafutaga Faifeau Malua 2015.” Malua Journal 1 (2016).
- “Exploring Discipleship in Matthew 4:12-25 from tautuaileva (service/servant/serve in-between).” Pacific Journal of Theology 50 (2013): 61-87.
Selected Conference Papers
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Tamā o le Ekalesia EFKAS & EFKS, faaulutalaina “Ekalesia Galulue Faatasi (Mataio 16-18),” Malua, 17-20 Ianuari, 2020.
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau, faaulutalaina “Motugaafa mo Upu Faaiu o ni faatasiga poo ni mafutaga – Upu mai le Feagaiga Fou ma le Aganuu (Mavaega),” Malua, Aukuso, 2019.
- Paper given to the Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools Conference, entitled “Woman crying out in birth pangs (Revelation 12:16): An early Christianity imagery of following the Lamb,” Auckland, May, 2019.
- Paper given to the Council for World Mission Pacific Youth Programme, entitled “Jesus’ response to the Roman Empire’s exploitation of local Palestinian people in the 1st Century: A Pacific Christian response to Blue Pacific Economy,” Nadi, October, 2019.
- Paper given to the Council for World Mission Pacific Youth Programme, entitled “The Blue Pacific Identity from a Biblical Perspective,” Nadi, October, 2019.
- Paper given to the International Congress of the Society of Biblical Literature, entitled “Discipleship as service to local people (people of the land and sea) – A reading of Matthew 14 (beyond the death of John the Baptist),” Boston USA, November, 2017.
- Paper given to the Oceania Biblical Studies Association Conference, entitled “Exploring the rhetology and rhetography of Lauga faaSamoa and Pese Samoa in the Samoan Christian world,” Tonga, August, 2012.
- Paper given to the Oceania Biblical Studies Association Conference, entitled “The interconnectedness of humankind and earth in God’s Basileia in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-12),” Auckland, July, 2010
- Paper given to the Council of World Mission Meeting, entitled “The gift of children and our responsibility to nurture them to the fullness of life,” Malua, September, 2009.
AWARDS
- Foveran Scholarship Award, University of Auckland, 2011 and 2013
- Maori and Pacific Island Scholarship Award, University of Auckland, 2006
MEMBERSHIP: BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONS
- President of the Oceania Biblical Studies Association (OBSA).
- Member of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)
- Rhetoric of Religious Antiquity Member
- Accreditation Commissioner of the South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Gospels
- Pauline Letters
- Christian Inventions (rhetorical) in the 1st Century
- Apocalyptic literature in relation to Mythology
- Johannine Literature
- Diaspora Judaism
- Islander Criticism
- Sociorhetorical criticism
- Method/s of reading/s that help us make more sense the meaning of the Gospel in/to our world/s
Rev. Dr. Arthur Wulf
PhD, MTh, BD, BA
Contact Details:
Email: awulf@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303 ext 118
Qualifications:
PhD | The University of Auckland, New Zealand | 2017 |
MTh | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2004 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2002 |
BA | Victoria University, New Zealand | 1995 |
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
English Papers
“Who is the ‘us’ God is referring to in Genesis 1: 26? Reading Genesis 1 from a Samoan Perspective of Creation.” Samoa Journal of Theology 3, no. 1 (2024): 111-120.
“Diagnosing Jeremiah’s Incurable Diseases from a Samoan Taulasea Perspective.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 27–34.
“Anthropogenic Climate Change Un-Creates God’s Creation in Genesis 1.” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 1–10.
- Reading the Bible Environmentally Sensitive: A Christian Approach to the Bible in light of the Environmental Crisis
- Climate Change Un-Creates the Lord’s Creation: Reading Genesis 1: 1-5 in light of Climate Change
- The Bible and the Environment: The Environmental Complaint Towards the Bible
- Jeremiah’s Mission and the Challenges of Imperial Rule: Reading Jeremiah’s mission to the nation through the use of the Samoan Gafataulima Analytical Approach
- Was Earth Created Good? A Reappraisal of Earth Presented in the Genesis 1 Creation Story from a Samoan Gafataulima Perspective (PhD Dissertation)
- ‘Let Us Go Down and Dis-urbanised the Babel Community’: Reading Genesis 11: 1-9 in light of the Apia Urban Problem
- Violence Against Women and the Genesis 2-3 Creation Story: A Feminist Reading of Genesis 2-3.
- ‘Let Us Descend and Disperse the Tower of Babel Community’: An Ideological Reading of Genesis 11: 1-9 (MTH Thesis)
- Daniel is Fuel for Rebellion: An Ideological Reading of Daniel 7-12 (BD. Thesis)
Samoan Papers
- Malo FaaleLalolagi ma le Ekalesia: O se Vaaiga i Malo Faalelalolagi oi le Tanielu 7
- O se Faamanuia poo se Faamalaia: Toe Iloiloga o le Kenese 1: 26-28
- Faamasino 17-21 ma Feminisi: Faitauga Faafeminisi o le Faamasino 17-21
- O le Tusi o Faataoto ma Faaaliga
- O le Utopia ma Perofetaga i le Feagaiga Tuai
- O Olaina o Tulafono e Sefulu oi le Tusi o Esoto 20
- Faitauga Faapolokiki ma Faaekonomisi o le faiga malo a le Tupu o Solomona
Workshops/Conferences Attended
- 2020 Churches Science and Climate Change Workshop
- [Lotu, Saenisi ma le Suiga o le Tau]
- 2019 CWM Pacific Regional Roundtable Meeting
- National Environment Forum
- 2018 Oceania Biblical Studies Association. Suva
- 2013 Oceania Biblical Studies Association, Suva.
- 2012 Australia New Zealand Association of Theological Schools, Auckland.
- 2011 Oceania Biblical Studies Association, Malua.
- 2009 Society of Biblical Literature, Auckland.
- 2005 Malua Conference: The Bible and Violence Against Wome
Rev. Dr. Alesana Pala'amo
PhD, MTh, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: apalaamo@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303 ext 105
Mobile: +685 7503877
Qualifications:
| PhD | Massey University, New Zealand | 2017 |
| MTh | Protestant Theological University, The Netherlands | 2008 |
| BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2006 |
RESEARCH: Book Sections, Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Book Sections
Pala’amo, A., & Pala’amo, L. (2024). Translating Theology into Practice at the Front Line: MES-19. In J. Havea (Ed.), Pacific Well-Being: (Is)Lands, Theologies, Worldviews (pp. 17-26). Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications.
Pala’amo, A. (2024). Walking with Jesus: Christian life, Opposition. In D. Painting (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2025: The Bible for a change (pp. 82-88). London, United Kingdom: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
Pala’amo, A. (2024). Bringing good news and building the church (1). In D. Painting (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2024: The Bible for a change (pp. 140-146). London, United Kingdom: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
Pala’amo, A. (2022). Who is my family? In D. Painting (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2023: The Bible for a change (pp. 169-175). London, United Kingdom: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
- Pala’amo, A. (2021). Healer and teacher. In D. Painting (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2022: The Bible for a change (pp. 16-22). London, United Kingdom: Monarch Books.
- Pala’amo, A. (2021). A new heaven and a new earth. In D. Painting (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2022: The Bible for a change (pp. 135-141). London, United Kingdom: Monarch Books.
- Pala’amo, A. (2020). The heavens declare – the ending. In N. Eddy (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2020: The Bible for a change (pp. 302-308). Oxford, United Kingdom: Lion Hudson Limited.
- Pala’amo, A. (2018). Faith and works. In N. Eddy (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2018: The Bible for a change (pp. 113-119). Oxford, United Kingdom: Monarch Books.
- Pala’amo, A. (2017). A new phase begins. In N. Eddy (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2017: The Bible for a change (pp. 256-262). Oxford, United Kingdom: Monarch Books.
- Pala’amo, A. (2016). Jesus in action: healing. In N. Eddy (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2016: The Bible for a change (pp. 158-164). Birmingham, United Kingdom: The International Bible Reading Association.
- Pala’amo, A. (2015). The promise of the Spirit, the Counsellor. In N. Eddy (Ed.), Fresh from the Word 2015: The Bible for a change (pp. 104-110). Birmingham, United Kingdom: The International Bible Reading Association.
- Pala’amo, A. (2012). From tradition to God: A qualitative study towards redeveloping the spirituality of Samoan youth. In G. Hall & J. Hendriks (Eds.), Dreaming a New Earth: Raimon Panikkar and Indigenous Spiritualities (pp. 239-257). Preston, Australia: Mosaic Press.
Dissertations
- Pala’amo, A. (2017). Fetu’utu’una’i le va Navigating relational space: An exploration of pastoral counselling practices for Samoans. (Doctoral dissertation, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand). Retrieved from https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/11813
- Pala’amo, A. (2008). From Tradition to God: A Qualitative Study Towards Redeveloping the Spirituality of Samoan Youth. (Unpublished master’s thesis), Protestant Theological University, Kampen, The Netherlands.
- Pala’amo, A. (2006). Divine Grace through Human Suffering. (Unpublished bachelor’s thesis), Malua Theological College, Samoa.
Journal Articles
- Pala’amo, A. (2022). Three-Dimensional Triangular Roles of the Samoan Church Minister—Faife’au (Church Minister), Social Worker, and Counsellor. Samoa Journal of Theology 1(1), 112–125.
- Pala’amo, A., & Pala’amo, L. (2020). Solidarity in Crisis. Insight, (August 2020), 30-33. Retrieved from https://issuu.com/cwmission/docs/insight_issue_12_final
- Pala’amo, A. (2019). Pastoral counselling in a changing Samoa: Development, Christianity, and Relationality. Sites: a journal of social anthropology and cultural studies, 16(1), 95- 108.
- Pala’amo, A. (2018). Tafatolu (three-sides): A Samoan research methodological framework. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 30(4), 19-27.
- Pala’amo, A. (2018). O Iesu o le Faufautua lelei, Jesus the Wonderful Counsellor. Malua Journal (7), 168-173.
- Pala’amo, A. (2012). Conflict Analysis. Malua Journal (1), 168-173.
Conference Papers
- Pala’amo, A. & Pala’amo, L. (2024, December). Social Welfare, Conflict Resolution, Peace-making: Tatou talanoa-Let’s talk. Paper presented at the EFKS Matagaluega Aoaoga Kerisiano Workshops/ CCCS Christian Education Department Workshops, Sogi, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2024, July). Va’aiga i le lumana’i: I le Galuega Fa’a-Misionare a le EFKS!/ Towards the future: The Ministry of the CCCS! Paper presented at the EFKS Matagaluega Faleata/ CCCS Faleata district conference, Vaigaga, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2024, April). Faith development: The Samoan way. Talanoa Oceania 2024 Conference, held in Sydney, Australia.
- Pala’amo, A. (2023, October). Tafatolu o le Ola Faapaiaina mo Tupulaga Talavou Samoa/ Triad of Living Holy for the Youth of Samoa. Paper presented at the Mafutaga a Autalavou Itumalo Palauli I: Taga, Siutu, Salailua, Satuiatua, Foailuga, Foailalo; EFKS/CCCS Foailalo, Samoa.
Pala’amo, A. (2023, July). Navigating pastoral caregiving that aligns with the evolution of a changing Samoan self. Paper presented at the 12th International Congress ICPCC International Council of Pastoral Care and Counselling Conference, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
Pala’amo, A. (2022, September). MES-19 Measles Epidemic Samoa 2019: Grounding our theology as frontline faifeau (minister) & faletua (minister’s wife). Webinar Virtual presentation for the Talanoa Oceania 2022 Conference, held in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pala’amo, A. (2022, August). Lasalo: Tatala mai le saisaitia i le oti (Lazarus: Release from being bound by death). Paper presented at the CCCS ministers’ renewal conference, Malua, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2021, October). Pastoral ministry and Covid-19 in the Pacific Rim areas: Samoa. Webinar Virtual presentation for the Asosiasi Pastoral Indonesia Pastoral Voice From Countries Samoa Conference, held in Bitung City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- Pala’amo, A. (2021, September). Va’aalo (Bonito Canoe) Pastoral Counselling: An approach that navigates vā (relational space) for Samoans towards justice and love. Virtual presentation for the NZCCA New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association AGM 2021 held in Wellington, New Zealand.
Pala’amo, A. (2021, July). O le Tafatolu o Sailiga manuia mo Tupulaga Talavou/ Triad of Blessings for Young People. Paper presented at the EFKS Matagaluega Apia i Sasae/ CCCS Apia i Sasae district conference, Sogi, Samoa.
Pala’amo, A. (2019, August). Tafatolu (three-sides): A Samoan Research Methodological Framework towards an EFKS Counselling and Social Services. Paper presented at the CCCS ministers’ renewal conference, Malua, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2019, August). Va’aalo Pastoral Counselling: An Approach that navigates vā (relational space) to engage Samoans with one’s own self, with one another, and especially with God. Paper presented at the 11th International Congress ICPCC International Council of Pastoral Care and Counselling Conference, Malacca, Malaysia.
- Pala’amo, A. (2019, March). Fetu’utu’una’i le vā, Navigating Relational Spaces: A contemporary Samoan perspective of Pastoral Counselling. Paper presented at the NUS National University of Samoa Lecture Series, Apia, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2018, September). Counselling from a Samoan perspective: Fetu’utu’una’i le vā, Navigating Relational Space to align traditional and contemporary practices. Paper presented at the IAC International Association for Counselling Conference, Rome, Italy.
- Pala’amo, A. (2018, March). Rolling out the fine mat of Scripture: A contextual pastoral response. Paper presented at the New Zealand Institute for Pacific Research Samoa Conference, Piula, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. & Pala’amo, L. (2018, March). Tatou talanoa: Fetufaa’iga (counselling) fa’a-Faletua. Paper presented at the CCCS Annual Minister’s Wives renewal conference, Sogi, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. & Pala’amo, L. (2016, July). Sāuāina i totonu o aiga/ Family violence. Paper presented at the CCCS Auckland district conference, Te Atatu, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2016, June). Interweaving Christianity with traditionalists and contemporary Samoans through pastoral counselling. Paper presented at the Woven Together? Christianity and development between New Zealand and the Pacific conference, Religious studies, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2015, July). Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33): are you walking or sinking? Paper presented at the CCCS Youth Bible study conference, Grey Lynn, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2014, December). Suicide: In the eyes of a Christian is this right or wrong? Paper presented at the Pacific Island Evangelical and Missionary Network Annual Conference, Mangere, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2014, September). Pastoral counselling in Samoa: exploring effective practices for ministers. Paper presented online at the Pacific Post Graduate Talanoa: co- ordinated by the Institute of Public Policy AUT University, Albany, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2014, August). Dream for success: a reading of Daniel 1:17. Paper presented at the CCCS Youth Bible study conference, Panmure, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2013, November). Pastoral counselling in Samoa: a shift from the traditional Samoan fale (house) to Westernised designs that emphasise separateness. Paper presented at the Indigenous Theology Symposium, Association Practical Theologians Oceania, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2013, November). Pastoral counselling in Samoa: exploring effective practices for ministers. Paper presented at the 6th Pasifika@Massey Whenua Research conference, Manawatu, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2013, October). Drink from the water of life: a reading of John 4:13-14. Paper presented at the Tongan Youth Camp Bible study conference, West harbour, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2013, August). Pastoral counselling in Samoa: exploring effective practices for ministers. Paper presented online at the Pasifika@Massey Seminar Series, Albany, New Zealand.
- Pala’amo, A. (2012, October). Imago Dei: Created in the Image of God. Paper presented at the CCCS conference on drug and alcohol abuse, Tamaligi, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. & Marino, A. (2011, August). The ancient ritual of Ifoga: A Documentary about Peacebuilding in Samoa. Paper presented at the Pacific Peacebuilding Training Intensive, Suva, Fiji.
- Pala’amo, A. (2010, August). Religion, Trauma, and Coping. Paper presented at the CCCS ministers’ renewal conference, Malua, Samoa.
- Pala’amo, A. (2010, June). From tradition to God: A qualitative study towards redeveloping the spirituality of Samoan youth. Paper presented at the Indigenous Theology Symposium. Association Practical Theologians Oceania, Brisbane, Australia.
- Pala’amo, A. & Marino, A. (2009, August). Contemporary Research in Christian Education. Paper presented at the CCCS ministers’ renewal conference, Malua, Samoa.
AWARDS
- Massey University Pasifika Doctoral Scholarships (2016, 2015)
- Norman Kirk Memorial Trust Scholarship, Massey University (2015)
- School of Social Work Graduate Research Fund Scholarship, Massey University (2015)
- Winner, ‘Three Minute Thesis’ 3MT Doctoral Speech Competition, Massey University (2014)
- CWM Council for World Mission Scholarship for Master of Theology, Kampen, The Netherlands (2007-2008)
OTHER RESEARCH OUTPUTS
- 2015 Researcher for Meeting the housing needs of multi-generational households: A report prepared for BRANZ and funded from the Building Research Levy. A joint research project by the University of Auckland and Massey University.
- 2013 Report for Pasifika Professional Supervision Practice Research and Professional Development Hub, Massey University.
2009-present Administrator/Author: Press Releases, and Information updates, Malua Theological College website https://malua.edu.ws
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Member, Research Ethics Committee, Oceania University of Medicine, Samoa
Accreditation Panel Member, Samoa Qualifications Authority
Co-Founder CCAST Christian Counsellors Association Samoa Trust
Member, GET Gender Equality Theology Working Group, Uniting World, Australia
Representative, Malua Theological College, Samoa Qualifications Authority, Blueprints Assessment
- Council Board Member Pacific Region, ICPCC International Council Pastoral Care and Counselling
- Member, IAC International Association Counselling
- Affiliate Member, NZCCA New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association
- Founding Member, MHPSS Mental Health Psychosocial Services Samoa
- Co-Founder, Soul Talk Samoa Trust
- APTO Association Practical Theologians Oceania
- Member, Human Participants Ethics Committee Auckland Council, New Zealand (2016)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Practical theology
- Pastoral Counselling
- Youth and Social Ministries
- Christian Worship
- Indigenous Research Methodologies
- Christian Education
Rev. Dr. Visesio Saga
PhD, MTh Distinction, BD, BBS
Contact Details:
Email: vsaga@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD | University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia | 2022 |
MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2008 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2006 |
BBS | Massey University, New Zealand | 1995 |
RESEARCH: Dissertations, Journal Articles, Selected Conference Papers
Dissertations
- “Other Boats Were With Him” (Mark 4:36). The Radical Inclusivity of the Samoan Motu o tagata Reading of Mark.” PhD Thesis, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia, 2022.
- Jesus’ “Triumphal” Entry – An Ill-fated Challenge to Authority. A Social-Historical Analysis of Mark 11:1–11.” Master of Theology Thesis, Pacific Theological College, Suva, Fiji, 2008.
Journal Articles
- “The Markan “ochlos”: We are ALL radically included!.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no 1 (2023): 68–82.
- “Re-Examining Mark 8:22–30 from a Samoan fa’asoagia reading: Reversing the twelve disciples’ failure analogically.” Samoa Journal of Theology 3, no 1 (2024): 67–76.
- “Motu o tagata”: Faalauteleina ma le ma’ale’ale o le ola mulimuli ia Iesu.” Tafatolu Journal. O Tūsiga Faa-Mataupu Silisili a Malua 10, no 1 (2023): 34–41.
Selected Conference Papers
- “Collecting Wisdom: Together in Transformation” – A Theological Response to Presentations and Discussion at the CWM Pacific Region Meeting (with Rev Dr Arthur Wulf), Malua Theological College, Malua, 2025.
- “O le Mea Matuitui (i)a Paulo: Ia Tū’ia ai i Tatou.” Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina a Faifeau (in Samoan), Aokuso, 2024.
- “Faamanaina e le Agaga Paia e Atia’e le Ekalesia a Keriso: Iloaina o Iesu. (Sanctified by the Holy Spirit to Build the Church of Christ: Knowing Christ).” Pepa mo le Fono Tele (in Samoan) – EFKS, 2024.
- “Ochlos/Ochloi”: Narrative Building Mechanisms in Mark’s Story.” A Paper presented at Whitley College Seminar, Melbourne, Australia, 2019.
AWARDS
- PTC Prize for Overall Academic Excellence for Master of Theology Programme – awarded to students who attain a Master of Theology with Distinction – 2008.
Rev. Dr. Samasoni Moleli
PhD, MTh Distinction, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: smoleli@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303 ext 117
Qualifications:
| PhD | University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia | 2018 |
| MTh Distinction | Melbourne College of Divinity, Australia | 2009 |
| BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2007 |
RESEARCH: Book Chapters, Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Book Chapters
- “Enlarging Borders and Territory: Contrasting Texts from the Pentateuch, Amos, and Chronicles.” In Political Theologies in the Hebrew Bible, edited by Mark G. Brett and Rachelle Gilmour, 93-106. Leiden: Brill, 2023.
- “Cultic Worship with נכרי according to 1 Kings 8:41-43.” In Innovation in Persian Period Judah: Royal and Temple Ideology in its Ancient Near East Setting, edited by Jill Middlemas, 141-154. Tübingen, German: Mohr Siebeck, 2020.
Dissertations
- “Jabez in Context: A Multidimensional Approach to Identity and Landholdings in Chronicles.” PhD Thesis, University of Divinity, 2018.
- “Mobility: Biblical Perspectives and the Samoan Experience.” MTh Thesis, Melbourne College of Divinity, 2009.
Journal Articles
“Politics and Compromise of Sovereignty in Chronicles.” Forthcoming, 2025, presented at the Political Theologies Colloquium (Melbourne University of Divinity) 14-16 December, 2024.
“Rizpah’s Ifoga in 2 Samuel 21:1-14: A Voiceless Plea for Forgiveness.” Forthcoming, 2025, presented at the Society of Asian Biblical Studies Conference 10-15 July, 2024, Hualien, Taiwan.
- “Understanding Healing in Exodus 15: 22–27 through the arts of Samoan fofō and fōfō.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 35–45.
- “The Politics of Divine Names in the language of Chronicles.” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 39–49.
- “Fanua as Culture and Identity in the Postexilic Community.” Oceania Biblical Studies Association (OBSA), Suva Fiji, Apr 2019.
- “Deuteronomy’s National Imagination – YHWH the Landowner as Reflected in the Pulega Alii ma Faipule,” Oceania Biblical Studies Association Meeting, Aug 2013.
Selected Conference Papers
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau, faaulutalaina “E iai ea se (faa)olataga i le Feagaiga Tuai? (Is there any Salvation in the Old Testament?),” Malua, Aukuso, 2019.
- Paper given to University of Divinity Seminar, entitled “A Critical Response to Textual Identities in Chronicles by Louis C. Jonker,” June 2015.
- Paper given to Whitley College Seminar, entitled “The Inclusive Possibilities of the Passover Festival in Chronicles,” Melbourne, October, 2014.
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau, faaulutalaina “Iapesa o se fua fanua” (Jabez as a land surveyor), Malua, Aukuso, 2012.
AWARDS
- Selected scholar for University of Divinity Graduation Valedictory Speech, Mar 2019
- Awarded Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar of University of Divinity, Mar 2019
- Awarded Basil Brown Prize in Biblical Studies, Whitley College, Nov 2017
- Awarded Australian Postgraduate Award for Research Funding, Feb 2015
- Awarded Mervyn Himbury Scholarship Prize, Whitley College, Australia, Nov 2014
Rev. Dr. Malutafa Faalili
PhD, MTh Distinction, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: mfaalili@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD | University of Newcastle, Australia | 2019 |
MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2009 |
BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2007 |
RESEARCH: Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Dissertations
- “The Time has not yet come to rebuild Yahweh’s house: A Jamesonian Reading of the Book of Haggai.” PhD Thesis, University of Newcastle, 2019.
- “The Ideological function of the Asylum Legislation in Deuteronomy 19:1-13.” MTh Thesis, Pacific Theological College, 2009.
Journal Articles
“The Political Unconscious and the Book of Haggai: Text as a Symbolic Resolution.” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 11–27.
- “Aisea ua tuai mai ai Samuelu?” Translation “Why was Samuel late?” Malua Journal, 3rd Edition, May 2015.
- “O le Leo Taotaomia: O Le Toalua o Potifara.” Translation “A Suppressed Voice: The Wife of Potiphar.” Malua Journal, 2nd Edition, May 2014.
- “Nafanua: a Prophetess of God: The Congregational Christian Church and Hermeneutics.” Malua Journal, 1st Edition, May 2013, pp. 39-47.
Selected Conference Papers
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau, faaulutalaina “Aisea ua tuai mai ai Samuelu?” Translation “Why was Samuel late?” Malua, Aukuso 2014.
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga Faafouina Faifeau, faaulutalaina “O le Leo Taotaomia: O Le Toalua o Potifara.” Translation “A Suppressed Voice: The Wife of Potiphar.” Malua, Aukuso 2013.
- Paper given to the Oceania Biblical Studies Association Conference, entitled “Nafanua: a Prophetess of God: The Congregational Christian Church and Hermeneutics.” Tonga, August 2012.
- Pepa mo le Mafutaga a le Aufaigaluega: Matagaluega a Faasaleleaga “Saulo – O le Taitai Faatemokarasi” Translation “Saul – The Democratic Leader” Tuasivi, 8 Ianuari 2011.
AWARDS
- Australian Government Research Training Scheme (RTS) – The RTS provides eligible higher degree candidates with an entitlement to an exemption from the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP). This grant covered the entirety of the 4 year programme 2015-2019
- PTC Prize for Overall Academic Excellence for Masters of Theology – awarded to students who attain a Masters of Theology with Distinction – 2009
Rev. Dr. Reupena Maulolo
PhD, MTh Distinction, BD, BEd
Contact Details:
Email: rmaulolo@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
| PhD | University of Otago, New Zealand | 2023 |
| MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2012 |
| BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2010 |
| BEd | University of Auckland, New Zealand | tba |
Qualifications:
RESEARCH: Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Dissertations
Rev. Dr. Brian Kolia
PhD, MTh, BD, MCom, BCom
Contact Details:
Email: bkolia@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD | University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia | 2021 |
MTh | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2014 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2012 |
MCom | University of Western Sydney, Australia | 2008 |
BCom | University of Western Sydney, Australia | 2003 |
RESEARCH: Book, Book Chapters, Dissertations, Journal Articles, and Conference Papers
Books
Kolia, Brian Fiu. Carrying Qohelet’s Maota (House): An Australian-Samoan Diasporic Reading of Wisdom in Ecclesiastes. International Voices in Biblical Studies 17. Atlanta: SBL Press, 2024.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu, and Michael Mawson (eds). Unsettling Theologies. Postcolonialism and Religions. Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024.
Book Chapters
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “The Donkey as Tamasoaalii: A Fagogo Reading of Balaam and the Donkey in Numbers 22:22-35.” In Ask the Animals: Developing a Biblical Animal Hermeneutic. Semeia Studies, edited by Arthur Walker-Jones and Suzanna Millar, 205-218. Atlanta: SBL, 2024.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Judas Greets Jesus with a Sogi? A Talanoa of Judas’s Kiss (Mark 14), the Lover’s Kiss (Song 8:1), and the Sogi of Limaleleima’oloa.” In Pacific Well-Being: (Is)Lands, Theologies, Worldviews, edited by Jione Havea, 108-118. Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock, 2024.
Kolia, Brian Fiu, and Michael Mawson. “Introduction.” In Unsettling Theologies: Memory, Identity, and Place. Postcolonialism and Religions, 1-8. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024.
Kolia, Brian Fiu, “Uncovering the Mat: Restorative Justice for the Dawn Raids?” In Unsettling Theologies: Memory, Identity, and Place. Postcolonialism and Religions, 77-92. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Arriving Like a Fish of the Night” (“Tō’ai Faa-I’a a le Po”): An Australian-Samoan Diasporic Reading of Pāsaḥ in Exod 12:12-13 through a Samoan Fishing Proverb.” In Reading the Bible in Australia, edited by Barbara Deutschmann, Michelle Eastwood and Deborah Storie. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2024.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Restor(e)ying Eve and the Serpent.” In The Routledge Companion to Eve, edited by Carolyn Blyth and Emily Colgan, 391-397. London: Routledge, 2024.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Uncovering Mālie in the Bible: Humoring Public Spaces.” In Troubling (Public) Theologies: Space, Bodies, Technologies, edited by Jione Havea, 61-72. Lanham MD: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2023.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Moana and Qohelet: Futility in Diaspora?” In Theology as Thresholds: Invitations from Aotearoa New Zealand, edited by Jione Havea, Emily Colgan and Nasili Vaka’uta, 205-215. Lanham MD: Lexington, 2022.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. ““Walking on the Sea?”: A Moana Intertextual Reading of John 6:16-21 in Light of Climate Change in Pasifika.” In The Enduring Impact of the Gospel of John. Interdisciplinary Studies. Edited by Bob Derrenbacker, Dorothy Lee, and Muriel Porter, 195-211. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2022.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Crying in Vain: A Diasporic Reading of Moral Chaos in Ecclesiastes and Breaking Bad.” In Theology and Breaking Bad, edited by David K. Goodin and George Tsakiridis, 61-75. Lanham MD: Lexington, 2022.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Tautua Lē Pa’ō and Toxic Masculinity: Voicing a Pisa Theology.” In Bordered Bodies, Bothered Voices: Native and Migrant Theologies, edited by Jione Havea, 173-185. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2022.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Lāuga Fa’amatai and Lāuga Fa’aleagaga.” In Lāuga: Understanding Samoan Oratory, 174-183, edited by Sadat Muaiava. Wellington: Te Papa, 2022.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Eve’s Serpent (Gen 3:1–9) Meets Sina’s Tuna at Fāgogo.” In Vulnerability and Resilience: Body and Liberating Theologies, 77-87, edited by Jione Havea, Lanham MD: Lexington, 2020.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Toil(ing) in Two Cultures: An Australian-Samoan Reading of Ecclesiastes 2:18-23.” In Reading Ecclesiastes from Asia and Pasifika, IVBS 10, 29-42, edited by Jione Havea and Peter H.W. Lau. Atlanta: SBL, 2020.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Lifting the Tapu of Sex: A Tulou Reading of the Song of Songs” In Sea of Readings: The Bible in the South Pacific. Semeia Studies 90, 85-102, edited by Jione Havea. Atlanta: SBL, 2018.
Dissertations
- 2021 PhD – “Maota Tau Ave”: Towards an Australian-Samoan Understanding of Wisdom in Ecclesiastes.
- 2014 MTh – “Lifting the Tapu of Sex”: A Tulou Reading of the Book of Song of Songs.
- 2012 BD – “Are ‘Tautua’ and ‘Battling’ Hebel?”: A Cross-cultural Reading of Ecclesiastes 2:18-23 in light of the theme of ‘toiling’.
Journal Articles
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Qohelet and the Problem of Toxic Masculinity in Pasifika Communities in Australia.” Journal for the Study of Bible and Violence 3 (2024):24-41.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “De-Silencing Naaman?: A Riverine Reading of 2 Kings 5:1-14,” Samoan Journal of Theology 3 no.1 (2024): 38-44.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Hearing their Cries: A Talanoa Response,” Biblical Interpretation 31 (2023): 653-663.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “The Searching I’a Tele (Great Fish) in Jonah 1:17-2:10,” Zadok Papers S271 (Winter 2023), 9-10.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “The I’a Tele (Great Fish) and the Search for Jonah: A Fāgogo Reading of Jonah 1:17-2:10.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 46–54.
Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Making a Case for a Diasporic Location for Qohelet through Persian Loanwords,” Word & World 43 no. 1 (2023): 43-54.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Hybridized Surviving: The Diaspora Narratives of Joseph, Esther, and Daniel.” Religions 13 no. 4 (2022):371 (1-13).
- Kolia, Brian Fiu. “Qohelet and Toxic Masculinity: Towards an Ala Theology”, Zadok Papers S255 (Summer 2021), 1-6.
- Kolia, Brian Fiu, “Eve, the Serpent, and a Samoan Love Story.” The Bible and Critical Theory 15 no.2 (2019):156-163.
Selected Conference Papers
- “The Donkey as Tamasoaalii: A Fagogo Reading of Balaam and the Donkey in Numbers 22:22-35.” Presented at the Fellowship of Biblical Studies (FBS) Annual Conference, Melbourne (Virtual), November 2021.
- Conference Organising Committee and Facilitator for CWM/Talanoa Oceania: Legacies of Slavery & Colonisation in Pasifika and Aotearoa, Virtual Conference, March, June, and September 2021.
- “Attitudes Towards Leadership in Qohelet.” Presented at the University of Divinity (UD) Research Day at the University of Divinity, Melbourne (Virtual), July 2021.
- “Attitudes Towards Leadership in Qohelet.” Presented at the United Theological College Research Colloquium, at United Theological College (UTC), Sydney Australia, 2020.
- “Moana and Qohelet: Futility in Diaspora?” Presented at the Ecological Hermeneutics Section of SBL, Boston USA (Virtual), 2020.
- Lāuga Faaleagaga Lecture delivered virtually at Victoria University, Wellington NZ, 2020.
- “Qohelet and Toil(ing): A Samoan Tautua Reading of Eccl 2:18-23.” Presented at OBSA at Pacific Theological College, Suva Fiji, 2019.
- “The Donkey as Tamasoaalii: A Fagogo Reading of Balaam and the Donkey in Numbers 22:22-35.” Presented at the Postcolonial Section of SBL, San Diego, CA, USA, 2019.
- “Eve, the Serpent and a Samoan Love Story: A Fagogo Reading of Genesis 3:1-19.” Presented at the Postcolonial Section of SBL, at Denver CO, USA, 2018.
- “Eve and the Serpent and Animal Studies: A Fagogo Reading of Genesis 3:1-19 and its Implications for Animal Studies.” Presented at the Animal Studies and Biblical Studies Section of SBL, at Denver CO, USA, 2018.
- “A Diasporic Reading of Ecclesiastes.” Presented at the Ministers’ Fellowship Renewal, Malua Theological College, Samoa, 2017.
- “The God that arrived like a Fish in the Night: A Samoan Reading of Pashach in Exod 12:12-13.” Presented at the Ministers’ Fellowship Renewal, Malua Theological College, Samoa, 2016.
- “A Tulou Reading of Song of Songs.” Presented at the Ministers’ Fellowship Renewal, Malua Theological College, Samoa, 2015.
- “The Liberation of the Woman through Tautua: A Samoan Reading of Song of Songs 1:8.” Presented at “Dancing in Babylon” Council for World Mission (CWM) Pacific Regional Conference, in Apia, Samoa, 2015.
- “Lifting the Tapu on Sex: A Tulou Reading of Song of Songs.” Presented at the Oceania Biblical Studies Association (OBSA) Conference, at Piula Theological College, Samoa, 2015.
AWARDS
- 2018-2021 Research Stipend Scheme from the University of Divinity, Melbourne
- 2018-2021 Research Funding Scheme from the University of Divinity, Melbourne
- 2018 Mervyn Himbury Scholarship for Excellence in Biblical Studies from Whitley College, Melbourne
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
- Editorial Board Member for The Bible and Critical Theory Journal
- Member for the Society of Biblical Literature
- Member for the Oceania Biblical Studies Association
- Member for the Fellowship of Biblical Studies
- Member for the American Academy of Religion
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Hebrew Bible
- Wisdom Traditions in the Hebrew Bible
- Biblical Hermeneutics
- Decolonising methods, interpretation and theology
- Cultural and Indigenous Knowledge
- Samoan linguistics
- Islander Criticism
Rev. Karanita Petaia
PhD candidate, MTh Distinction, BD, MBA, BBS
Contact Details:
Email: kpetaia@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD candidate | University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia | 2024 |
MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2015 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2013 |
MBA | University of South Pacific | tba |
BBS | UCQ | tba |
Qualifications:
RESEARCH: Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Rev. Dr. Fatilua Fatilua
PhD, MTh Distinction, BD, PhD, MPA, BA
Contact Details:
Email: ffatilua@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2022 |
MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2018 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2016 |
PhD | State University at New York, Albany, New York, USA | 2008 |
MPA | San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA | 1998 |
BA | San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California, USA | 1994 |
RESEARCH: Book, Book Chapters, Dissertations, Journal Articles, Conference Papers
Book
- Fatilua, Fatilua. Catch the Bird and Watch the Wave: A Pacific Sociorhetorical Reading of Luke 18:18-30. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2024.
Book Chapters
- “Church as Feagaiga: A Fāiā Reading of Romans 13:1-7.” In Theologies from the Pacific, edited by Jione Havea, 193-206. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave MacMillan.
- “Fāiā Analysis of Romans 13:1-7: Integrating a Samoan Perspective with Sociorhetorical Interpretation.” In Welcoming the Nations: International Sociorhetorical Explorations, edited by Vernon K. Robbins and Roy R. Jeal, 71-88. Atlanta, GA: SBL Press.
Dissertations
2018 MTh Distinction – Faia Analysis of Romans 13:1-7: Integrating a Samoan Perspective with Socio-rhetorical Criticism
- 2016 BD – The Church and Court Litigation: A Socio-Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
- 2008 PhD – Political Influence on Agency Rulemaking: A Case Study of the FCC Regulatory Review of Media Ownership from 1996 to 2004
- 1998 MPA – Government in Samoa: Traditional or Democratic
Journal Articles
- 2024.”Mata O Masiasi (Face of Shame): Re-Situating Paul’s Fool’s Speech within the Contours of Samoan Rhetoric.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament, no. Special Issue: Decolonising New Testament studies? Beyond Eurocentrism to Reshaping the Discipline.
“Fili i le tai se agavaa (wisdom is revealed at sea): re-situating John 6:16-21 on the tai-side.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 83–90.
“Who gets what, when, and how: Appropriating the political economic context of Luke 18:18–30 with implications on the political economies of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 65–74.
- “To Litigate or Not? Reading Paul in the Context of the Courts and the Church in the Pacific.” The Pacific Journal of Theology 60 (2): 41-58.
- “Juxtaposing the ἄρχων and the Samoan sa’o: Reorienting Luke 18:18-30 within the political economic context of Pacific Island Countries and Territories.” The Pacific Journal of Theology 59 (2): 47-59.
- “In Pursuit of a Pacific Island Biblical Hermeneutics – A Review of Elusions of Control: Biblical Law on the Words of Women (2003) by Jione Havea.” The Pacific Journal of Theology 58 (1): 148-155.
Conference Papers
- “‘Who gets what, where and how’: Re-orienting a Lukan response to wealth and prosperity in light of the challenges facing Pacific Island Countries and Territories”. Paper accepted for presentation at the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) International Meeting in Adelaide Australia July 5-9, 2020.
- “Re-reading Romans 13:1-7 using the faia-i-upu-ma-fatuaiupu approach: rethinking the Samoan cultural designation of the Church as feagaiga”. Paper presented at the Oceanic Biblical Studies Association (OBSA): Bible and Vanua Conference, Suva Fiji April 18-20, 2019
- “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for Samoan Families: Lessons learn from the Faasamoa (Samoan Culture) about resolving differences and conflicts in families”. Paper Presented at the Asian Pacific Islander Resources Network (APIRN)-sponsored Domestic Violence Class for Samoans, March 9, 2006
- “Rulemaking in pursuit of an open-ended mandate”. Paper accepted for presentation at the Southern Political Science Association (SPSA) 77th Annual Conference, January 5-7, 2006.
- “Conceptual Framework for a study of influence on agency rulemaking: the FCC Media Ownership Reviews from 1996-2003”. Paper presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Political Science Association—International (NPSA), November 17-19, 2005.
- “The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the FCC Responses: Rulemaking Pursuant to an Unclear Mandate”. Paper presented at the 2005 Research Conference of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
AWARDS
- Recipient of University at Albany Dissertation Research Fellowship Award 2006-2007
- Recipient of Department Fellowship from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, SUNY-Albany, 2001-2003
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Pacific Island Biblical Interpretation
- Church and State Relations
- Hellenistic and Greek Language
- Gospels and Acts
- Pauline Studies
- New Institutional Economic approaches to Biblical Interpretatio
Rev. Leuelu Setu
MTh, BD, BSc
Contact Details:
Email: lsetu@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2020 |
BD | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2018 |
BSc | University of the South Pacific, Fiji | 1995 |
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Dissertations
- “History of Ecumenism in Samoa: A Re-examination of Ecumenical Activities from the Perspective of the People.” MTh Thesis, Pacific Theological College, 2020.
- Revisiting Judas’s Betrayal of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew [26: 14 – 16; 47 -56, 27: 3 – 10], BD Thesis Malua Theological College, 2018.
Journal Article
Setu, Leuelu. “Samoa’s National Council of Churches and Ecumenism: Explosive Beginnings and a Crumbling Present.” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 165–177.
Rev Esera Esera
MTh Distinction, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: eesera@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Pacific Theological College, Fiji | 2020 |
BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2018 |
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Dissertations
- “So’o-Tulutulu: A Theological-Cultural Approach Towards a Renewed Understanding of Economic Growth in Samoa” MTh Thesis, Pacific Theological College, 2020.
- “An Economic-Political Reading of 1 Kings 21:1-4 In Light of the LTRA 2008 Controversy” BTh Thesis, Malua Theological College, 2018.
Journal Articles
Esera, Esera Jr. “What does Christian Theology have to do with the Economy? A Theological Critique of the Economy from a Samoan understanding of Tamaoaiga.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 118–128.
Esera, Esera Jr. “Land, Ecotheology, and Identity in Samoa.” Samoa Journal of Theology 1, no. 1 (2022): 100–111.
Dr. Mariota Seiuli
PhD, BDHons, LLB
Contact Details:
Email: mseiuli@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
PhD | University of Otago, New Zealand | 2024 |
BDHons | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2019 |
LLB | University of Waikato, New Zealand | 2013 |
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Dissertations
“Re-reading Romans 13:1-7 and Other New Testament Texts from the Perspective of Law and the Contextual Tax Issue in Samoa (2017-2022).” PhD Dissertation, University of Otago, 2024.
“Re-visiting Paul and the Law in the Epistle to the Galatians in Light of Law in Society.” BD Hons Thesis, Malua Theological College, 2019.
AWARDS
University of Otago Pacific Island Doctoral Scholarship, 2020-2022
Longview Trust Matt Alexander Scholarship, 2022
Wilberforce Foundation Emerged/Charity Leader Scholarship, 2021-2023
Tafatolu Tapaleao
MTh Distinction, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: ttapaleao@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2023 |
BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2021 |
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Dissertations (updates in progress)
Faafetai Koria
MTh Distinction, BDHons, BA
Contact Details:
Email: fkoria@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2023 |
BDHons | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2022 |
BA | University of South Pacific, Fiji | tba |
RESEARCH OUTPUT: Journal Article
Journal Article
“A Comparison of Samoan Proverbs and Sayings of Jesus from the Matthean gospel: A Sociorhetorical Perspective .” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023): 129–139.
Hobert Sasa
MTh Distinction, BDHons, MScIS
Contact Details:
Email: hsasa@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2023 |
BDHons | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2022 |
MScIS | University of Otago, New Zealand | 2011 |
RESEARCH OUTPUT: Journal Article
Journal Article
Sasa, Hobert. “Exploring Discipleship in Matt. 28:16-20 using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Model.” Samoa Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (2023), 91-103. https://malua.edu.ws/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Samoa-Journal-of-Theology-Vol2-No.1-2023.pdf
Tafatolu Bentley
MTh, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: tbentley@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh | University of Divinity, Australia | 2025 |
BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2020 |
RESEARCH OUTPUT
Dissertation
update to follow
Fraser Tauaivale
MTh Distinction, BTh
Contact Details:
Email: ftauaivale@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2024 |
BTh | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2022 |
RESEARCH OUTPUT
Dissertation
“Viewing the London Missionary Society (LMS) Land Acquisitions in Samoa From the Samoan Land Tenure Perspectives of Igagatō, Matū Palapala, and Pule, 1830 – 1930.” MTh Thesis, Malua Theological College, 2024.
Saleaula Reti
MTh Distinction, BDHons, BEd
Contact Details:
Email: sreti@malua.edu.ws
Phone: +685 42303
Qualifications:
MTh Distinction | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2024 |
BDHons | Malua Theological College, Samoa | 2023 |
BEd | University of South Pacific, Fiji | tbc |
RESEARCH OUTPUT
Dissertations
“Towards Early Intervention Programs for Christian Education of the EFKS/CCCS to reverse the trend of Youth leaving the Church” MTh Thesis, Malua Theological College, 2024.
- “An Ideological Reading of the tensions in Amos 7:10-17” BDHons Thesis, Malua Theological College, 2023.
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