How did London Missionary Society missionaries influence Cook Islands government and religion?

The London Missionary Society (LMS) played a foundational role in shaping the religious and political landscape of the Cook Islands following their arrival in 1821.12

Religious Influence
Missionaries, including English and Tahitian representatives of the LMS, were the first foreigners to settle in the islands. They successfully converted many influential ariki (chiefs) to Christianity, which facilitated the spread of the faith among the general population. To support this religious transition, the LMS established a theological college on Rarotonga.21

Political Influence
The missionaries exerted a profound influence on the evolution of government in the Cook Islands over the subsequent half-century. By acting as political advisers, agents, and interpreters, they helped address issues of lawlessness caused by European traders and beachcombers. They encouraged the adoption of missionary-designed codes of law based on scriptural principles to stabilize society. These efforts were part of a broader strategy to consolidate the power of friendly chiefs, effectively altering traditional political structures and serving as intermediaries between the islanders and the outside world.21