Church urges openness, advice

A CHURCH leader is urging parishioners to engage in open dialogue with their church elders and clergymen before taking up spiritual activities that are not sanctioned by the church.
Hagen Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Bishop Ten Tengdui made this call during the 13th Hagen District Meri Conference on Monday at the Kalapolo village in Tambul-Nebilyer, Western Highlands.
Tengdui said it was important for congregations to seek guidance and approval from local pastors and church elders before they embarked on spiritual activities.
“Any activities pursued without prior consultation with church authorities does not receive the congregation’s official endorsement,” he said.
“I am aware that there are congregational groups venturing into other roles, including spiritual activities.
“But before proceeding, it is essential to consult your pastors and church elders as any actions taken without their knowledge are not officially sanctioned by the church.”
Tengdui acknowledged congregational groups that were actively involved in spiritual and well-being activities and called on them to continue to strive for cohesion to ensure that their evangelisation efforts remained in harmony with their church goals and direction.
Organising committee chairman Joseph Paiwa expressed his gratitude to the more than 500 women delegates from the 14 circuits who attended the conference.
Altar Circuit women leader Maria Poke also thanked the women for their remarkable turnout.
The annual event had the theme “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord,” and was initiated by Good news director Pr Kapi Sorem.