Churches concerned

 CHURCH leaders are concerned about the violence that erupted on Manus resulting in the death of an asylum seeker.

PNG Council of Churches chairman Fr Denny Guka said the churches would like to be more involved in resolving the issues on the island.

“The situation in Manus has once again drawn churches together to express our concern,” he said.

“The churches are very much involved in the pastoral care for those who are affected.”

He said the Government should consider involving the churches in dealing with the situation. 

Archbishop John Ribat said the asylum seekers left their countries with the intention of living in Australia, not PNG.

“To stay in this country was never their thought. If they did not qualify to stay in Australia, they should have been moved elsewhere,” Ribat said.

“Other issues on their lives were not clarified and again it raises a lot of questions.”