Papua New Guinea declares Christian identity in constitutional amendment

Papua New Guinea legislators overwhelming voted in favor of the constitutional amendment to recognise the Melanesian nation as a Christian state. Photo: Supplied

Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

Papua New Guinea's Parliament has passed a constitutional amendment formally recognising the nation as a Christian country.

The decision, made on Tuesday (March 12), saw an overwhelming majority of 80 votes in favour and only four against.

The amendment introduces a declaration in the preamble of the Constitution, stating: "(We) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea."

In addition, Christianity will now be reflected in the Fifth Goal of the Constitution, and the Bible will be recognised as a national symbol.

Prime Minister James Marape, a vocal advocate for the amendment, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.

"I am happy," he said.

"This constitutional amendment finally recognises our country as a Christian country. This reflects, in the highest form, the role Christian churches have played in our development as a country."

The amendment follows extensive consultations conducted by the PNG Constitutional Law Reform Commission in 2022.

Communities, churches, and civil society groups across the nation were engaged in discussions, with widespread support for the change.

Marape emphasised the historical and ongoing contributions of Christian churches to Papua New Guinea's unity and development.

"With so much diversity, languages, associated cultures, and tribal affiliations, no one can dispute the fact that Christian churches have anchored our country's unity and togetherness," he stated.

He also highlighted the role of churches in providing services in areas where government presence is limited.

Marape also clarified that the amendment does not infringe on the rights of individuals practicing other religions.

Section 45 of the PNG Constitution, which protects freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, remains intact.

PM MARAPE PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF LUTHERAN CHURCH IN PNG’S DEVELOPMENT

Approved for Release:

Waigani, National Capital District | Tuesday, 11 January 2022

PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape today paid tribute to the “great work” of the Lutheran Church in the development of the Papua New Guinea, while thanking missionaries from all churches in the country, both national and international, who have brought services to the people in rural areas to complement the work of the government.

In a message that spelt strongly of the uniting force of Christianity and the huge contribution of churches in uniting a very diverse people in nationhood, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG) and all churches in the country.  

The Prime Minister was speaking today to thousands of Lutheran faithfuls who had travelled in to Port Moresby from throughout the country for the 33rd Evangelical Lutheran Church National Synod, being held at the Sir John Guise Stadium and hosted by the ELC-PNG’s Papua district.

Himself the son of a pioneer national Seventh Day Adventist missionary, PM Marape paid an emotional homage to missionaries who “ran ahead of government workers” before Independence and after Independence, into remote Papua New Guinea to bring God’s Good News and with it, services such as education and health.

“Before the presence of a government worker in many parts of our country, there were missionaries. They walked the length and breadth of our country not for money, fame, or personal earthly prosperity but they walked for love and service to humanity because they were serving the author of Love, Jesus Christ,” said PM Marape.

“Our country is littered with footprints of missionaries that had left the comfort of their homes overseas, to come into our country; and secondly, those from the coast, who became the first contact for those in our highlands areas.

“I want to pay respects to our churches for making sure that the fundamentals of our country is held together.

"It is fitting and right to give respect where it is due. Without the Christian perspective, we would be looking from 800 or so different perspectives. It is really the work of Christianity that has united our country at a deeper level, even further than the flag and the Constitution of the country.”

He said with a new generation of leaders coming into office, the Government is now working out policies to move the country more in line with the ideals of Christianity, such as the pronouncement to make PNG a Christian country, and the start of work to reverse the Death Penalty and install in its place, Maximum Penalty as commanded under the 10 Commandments.

The Prime Minister encouraged the ELC-PNG to continue with its services in health and education, and gave the Government’s support in this area.

He also mentioned the Lutheran University project, which has been shelved for some time. PM Marape encouraged the ELC-PNG to work together in unity to get this project off the ground.

“Lutherans, you are the second biggest church. You have a big place. Remain focused on the charter that you established as the Lutheran Church.

“The Government stands ready to give you the full support as we go into the future.”