Church appoints bishop to city diocese

 THE Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea welcomed a new bishop for its Port Moresby diocese on Sunday.

Hundreds of Anglicans gathered at St Martin’s Church at Boroko for the ordination and consecration of Bishop Denny Bray Guka. 

He is the sixth bishop for the diocese of Port Moresby.

Guka told The National that he started duties as a priest at St Martin’s in 1994 after graduating from the Newton Theological College in Popondetta, Northern. 

He then moved to St Mary’s in Gerehu in 1996 and served until 2000 when he was transferred to the Holy Family Parish in Hohola in 2001.

Guka served at St John’s from 2005 to 2008 and at St Martin’s until 2013.

He was then sent by the Archbishop to serve as the chaplain for Anglican students at the University of PNG last year.

Guka said when his predecessor retired in September last year, he looked after the diocese until he was elected as bishop in March. 

Guka, from Katuna village on the northern coast of Northern, said he was very happy about his new role and was aware of the challenges ahead.

Archbishop Philip Richardson described the event as a historic moment of the life of the Anglican Church in the country.

He said it was the first time for all dioceses in the country to be headed by nationals.

Guests included NCD Governor Powes Parkop and former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta.