Church synod opens with bright colours from 17 districts

LIVELY colourful marchers, choreographed dances and an ordination marked the opening of the 33rd Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELC PNG) at the Sir John Guise Stadium.
Each of the 17 districts represented by 50 delegates were dressed according to the colour assigned to their district – either red, yellow, blue, green or white.
When the delegates from each district entered the stadium, they were welcomed by a traditional performance group from Cape Rodney.
The group later accompanied Nileslie Iburi to be ordained as the first minister from Papua district. The event was opened and blessed by the head bishop of ELC PNG Reverend Dr Jack Urame.
The theme of the synod this year is based on the Bible text Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord”.
The event strictly observes Coronavirus (Covid-19) protocols.
Rev Urame said they had a duty to support the Government’s initiative to implement Covid-19 protocols to minimise the spread and infection.
“We are excited because this is a sign of growth in the mission of the church,” Rev Urame said.
“I encourage the delegates to maintain the spirit of solidarity and unity during the synod as we share and discuss both religious and social issues affecting the church as well as the country such as injustice, violence, Covid-19 etc.”
The last synod in 2020 was in the Boana district of Morobe.
The next synod will be hosted in 2024 in Ialibu by the Immanuel district, Southern Highlands.