Forum discuses sorcery killings

PAPUA New Guinea is caught in its own traditional notion of religion which needs to be realigned with Christian principles, Melanesian Institute director Dr Geovanne Bustos says.
In a paper titled Sanguma in Paradise -contesting theological discourse of churches presented during the conference on sorcery in Lae, Bustos outlined approaches the churches could use to help the Government address sorcery-related violence and killings.
He said sorcery was an everyday phenomena.
“Churches, irrespective of denominations and faith, need to chart a new perspective and approach by translating and realigning the traditional religion beliefs into Christian principles to address the issue at grassroots level,” Bustos said.
The sorcery national action plan (Snap) was implemented last year to address sorcery-related violence and killings, which were threatening peace and prosperity.
According to Constitutional Law Reform Commission secretary Dr Eric Kwa, Snap would managed the sorcery-related issues with the churches.
Snap comprises Government agencies and churches facilitated by the commission under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.