Hundreds of local residents, including cabinet members, senators, faipule and officials of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) will be attending the 30th conference set to be held in Carson, California from July 24 - August 3.

Some have already departed the territory. This is the first time in the history of the CCCAS that the meeting will not be held at Kanana Fou, the church’s headquarters.

A CCCAS official who spoke to Samoa News yesterday said holding the meeting off island will provide an opportunity for local church officials to fellowship with other member churches in the mainland who have either broken off on their own or are affiliated with other churches in the US.

Close to 600 delegates are expected to attend the annual conference and that number includes individuals representing the youth, deacon, and women’s groups and other organizations from each congregation — all there to discuss spiritual issues and ways to continue the mission of spreading the word of God.