Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting Christian Churches in Papua New Guinea, underscoring the importance of Christian identity in the nation amidst a backdrop of diverse worldviews.

“Among the many different worldviews that exist today, our Christian identity augurs well for Papua New Guinea,” stated Prime Minister Marape.

He emphasised the unique diversity of PNG, stating, “We are the most diverse nation on planet earth. So, we cannot really identify through our diversity as a nation in our different cultures. Just one word ‘Christianity’ defines our national attributes, our national identity.”

The Marape-Rosso Government has shown tangible support for the Christian community by allocating land through the Department of Lands for the new headquarters of the PNG Council of Churches (PNGCC). This state-of-the-art office complex in Port Moresby is slated for completion in 2025, ahead of the country’s 50th anniversary of nationhood.

“As we host important figures such as World Seventh-Day Adventist President Pastor Ted Wilson, and anticipate the visit of the Catholic Pope this September, it’s clear that Papua New Guinea is recognised globally by its Christian identity,” added the Prime Minister.

Reflecting on the recent Constitutional amendment debated in Parliament, PM Marape clarified, “This is not to compromise other faiths or beliefs that exist in the country from practicing their religious faith. This is not an enforceable law. It is just in the preamble of our Constitution that we are making it absolutely clear and certain that we are a Christian country. No one should take offence, especially those who practice other faiths in the country. Protection of all religious faiths, including the various denominations among the Christian community, is ensured and locked in Section 45 of our Constitution.

“The Christian God that we worship in His fullness doesn’t stop people from practicing their own choice of faith. So, we are not stopping anyone from practicing their own religion in the country. It is just to define and identify us,” Prime Minister Marape explained to dispel any misconceptions.

During the recent vote on the Bill in Parliament, it received overwhelming support with 80 Members of Parliament voting in favor, surpassing the required two-thirds majority. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament announced that a third reading of the Bill is scheduled for the May sitting of Parliament, providing another opportunity to vote on the matter.

“This generation of leaders wants to entrench what our fathers did in the years leading up to Independence . And also our founding father of the nation Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare who affirmed our Christian identity as a nation in 2008; we’re moving another step forward now by putting that into our Constitution. I thank the 80 Members of Parliament who voted for the Bill. The country should know the Opposition’s stand against Christian identity; that is clearly the Opposition’s alternate policy. The Government side stands for Christian identity,” concluded Prime Minister Marape.