Other church denominations support Lutherans’ 31st synod

The National Faith

By EHEYUC SESERU in Kundiawa
Different churches in Mogl Kagai village in Chimbu have assisted Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELC-PNG) in hosting its 31st Synod which opened on Sunday.
The synod, hosted by Calvary Circuit of ELC-East Chimbu District, received assistance from 12 different denominations in the village.
The denominations and villagers helped the host circuit prepare and house delegates.
Nazarene, Foursquare and Kundiawa Catholic Diocese contributed cash, food and housed delegates in their churches and institutions.
St Vincent De Paul sub-parish of Kundiawa Catholic Diocese housed staff from ELC-PNG headquarters at Ampo in Lae, in the community hall.
Catechist and community leader Boid Charles said denominations in the area assisted each other in staging major church gatherings.
He said the partnership with Lutherans in the area had been there for a long time.
The Kundiawa Diocese, through Bishop Rev Fr Anthon Bal donated K2581 to the local organising committee to help stage the synod.
Charles said staging of the synod had brought in development into the area, which the churches were happy to support.
Preparations of the synod saw roads leading to the village maintained, and a permanent hall for the event constructed.
Charles said such partnerships were encouraging and should continue in future.
Other church district and stakeholders in the Highlands, and Kote District of Morobe, also supported the synod in cash and kind.
Hagen donated K1000, a pig and foods; Jiwaka K500 and food; Chimbu and Goroka food; and Kote donated eight cows, a pig and food.
Other companies and institutions in Chimbu also donated in kind to support the synod.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Sinasina-Yongomulg MP Kerenga Kua also gave cash contributions.
The synod was opened on Sunday by Bishop Rev Jack Urame and will end tomorrow.
Delegates from 17 districts, with partner churches, attended the opening, and will discuss issues affecting the church with major focus on church’s role in spreading the Gospel.