Churches get more assistance

 CHURCHES in Milne Bay can expect more assistance from the government to support  their work in the delivery of basic services such as health and education, following the launch of the Church-Government Partnership Council last week.

Governor Titus Philemon and National Planning Minister and   for Alotau Charles MP Abel unveiled a logo to officially launch the council.

The ceremony saw the swearing in of the council members, who included Philemon as chairman, provincial chairman for Community Development Betty Dunstan, provincial chairman for Health and Education James Rubeni, Fr Joe Ensing representing Bishop Rolano Santos of the Catholic Diocese of Alotau/Sidea, Bishop Tenison Boga of the Anglican Church, Bishop Leidimo Edoni of the United Church, Bishop Dago Walino of the Kwato Church and chairman of the Alotau Churches Fraternal Pastor Peter Boina.

Philemon heralded the launch of the partnership as historic even and a milestone.

“This is a historic event for Milne Bay. It is a major milestone. It establishes the new dimensions in the relationship that the government has with the churches.

“I believe this is the heartbeat of God because it establishes a relationship with the government that provides services to its citizens and this is what Milne Bay people want to see,” he said.

Philemon said his government is very serious about helping and working with the churches to improve the delivery of vital services such as health and education, while continuing their work in spiritual and moral development.

“It is not our intention to politicise the church,  rather we want to work together with them. The churches still have their freedom to correct the government when they see things are not right according to God,” he said.

Philemon said the provincial government allocated K1 million to support the work of the council, and will give more funding next year and over the next two years.

“We need to assist the churches to maintain the infrastructures and programmes, including programmes covering women, youth, children and even men’s fellowship activities. This is where our people relate and are part of. We just cannot ignore the needs of the churches,” he said.

He said the government was aware that the churches provide 65% of the province’s educational facilities while the government provides 35% and health, the churches run 70% of the health care services in the rural areas while the government provides 30%.