‘ELCPNG polls will make or break’

National, Normal
Source:

OSEAH PHILEMON

THE election of the new head bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) and his deputy will make or break the church, a top church official said yesterday.
Isaac Teo, the church’s general secretary, said from  Ampo ELCPNG headquarters that the election was a hot topic and could either make or break the church.
A selection committee was currently going through the list of applicants for the positions of the head bishop, assistant bishop and the church general secretary-  the position being held by Mr Teo.
Mr Teo is about to complete his first three-year term in office and is eligible for re-election for a further two terms.
Assistant bishop, Rev Zao Rapa was acting head bishop, since the death of Dr Wesley Kigasung last year.
A list of candidates for all three positions was expected to be presented to the special church council meeting which will be held in Lae this week.
“It  is a critical moment for the church,” Mr Teo said.
The election of the head bishop could see the politics of regionalism emerge and play a major part in who gets the top job at Ampo.
The presidents of the 17 ELCPNG districts were in Lae for the crucial meeting which would also look at the agenda for next year’s synod.
Meanwhile the health state of emergency committee had given  approval to the church to stage its synod at the Martin Luther Seminary.