By ENNIO KUBLE
THE United church in PNG launched its 40th anniversary celebrations, an event to be observed this year, at the Reverend Sione Kami Memorial church last Saturday.
The launching by Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane, marked the beginning of celebrations to be observed by United church congregations throughout the country to commemorate the church’s localisation in 1968.
Sir Paulias said churches had carved a very special relationship with the Government as development partners and this needed to be supported in every way.
“I speak passionately about the work of the churches because of my personal involvement as a church elder before taking the vice-regal role and responsibilities,” Sir Paulias said.
“Often, we have had to make decisions that require huge financial undertakings. This usually means hard work on the part of church members who are ordinary people. They sweat and toil to ensure the decisions are implemented,” he added.
At the launching, which had a minimum turnout of church members in Port Moresby, the Governor-General said the occasion recognised the selfless work of the ordinary people to see the continuation of the church’s existence.
Sir Paulias, touched briefly on the history of the church, citing in particular, the separation of the United church in PNG from the Solomon Islands.
“Its history is a story of pain and gain, triumphs and trials. Let us look back over the 40 years of service to this beautiful country of ours and count our blessings with gratitude and humility,” he said.
Present at the occasion was the United church moderator Rev Samson Lowa and Rev Dr Kerry Erright of the Uniting International Mission based in Australia.