The image of an all-Seventh-day Adventist population tucked away on an isolated paradise has prevailed ever since missionaries landed on Pitcairn Island in 1890. Church leaders in the South Pacific, however, say this image no longer holds true.

“Allegations of sexual abuse on Pitcairn are saddening,” says Allan Walshe, president of the church’s New Zealand Pacific Union Conference. “We first became aware of the allegations two years ago after a police officer from Kent in England reported an alleged rape while visiting the island.”

Missionaries formed a church on Pitcairn, but this church was changed to “company” status in May 2001 because of declining attendance—only eight of the more than 40 islanders regularly attend worship services.

“Adventists treasure the Pitcairn story,” says Ray Coombe, assistant to the president of the church in the South Pacific. “The power of God’s word not only changed the lives of the remnant community from the mutineers on the ship, Bounty, but also brought them to the Adventist faith. The sailing of the Pitcairn led the church’s expansion into the Pacific.”

The allegations of widespread sexual abuse, reported in some British newspapers, are a new development, says John O’Malley. He and his wife, Susan, a nurse, have ministered on Pitcairn since January 2001. “To say all the men of the island have been allegedly abusing children since the landing of the mutineers is totally incorrect. The children are well adjusted. The community cherishes them. The elderly women on the island say the allegations are an anomaly. Some even link it to the introduction of alcohol on the island.

“The culture of the island is not Adventist anymore,” adds O’Malley. “A minister could never stand up as the leader of the community and say, ‘This is what we are going to do.’ The only way a minister on Pitcairn can exert an influence is through their pastoral duty, which means praying with members of the community and preaching the gospel. Pitcairn Islanders appreciate the role Sue and I play. We’ve formed many friendships.”

The O’Malleys return in September. A volunteer will be the island’s minister until the church replaces the couple next year.

“Although not all Pitcairn Islanders are members of the Adventist Church, we still have a pastoral role to play in the community,” says Walshe. “We will continue to cooperate with the British government to provide counseling for the victims, education programs for the children and families, and rehabilitation programs for the community.”

“The church’s duty of care to the Adventists on Pitcairn is to maintain clearly understood arenas of safety so they are aware of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behavior,” says Bryan Craig, the church’s family ministries director. He adds that the victims of the alleged sexual abuse have shown courage in reporting it. “The church is listening to you. We will do what needs to be done to address your claim and respond to your pain.”