Churches laud Marape for ‘put God first’ initiative

By HELEN TARAWA
A GROUP of church leaders who met Prime Minister James Marape at his office on Monday have lauded his “put God first” initiative.
PNG Council of Churches general secretary Rev Roger Joseph said it was great to hear Marape acknowledging the churches’ contribution to national development.
“It was a humble initiative. Marape had put God first and all the other programmes to follow,” he said.
“We thank the Lord for such an initiative that Marape take.
“Immediately after (becoming) the chief executive officer of the nation, and before anything else, he called the (leaders of the) churches to have an audience with him.”
Marape had invited them to his office at Manasupe Haus in Port Moresby.
“Marape acknowledged the churches throughout the country for their prayers which led to his election as prime minister,” Joseph said.
“He wanted to thank the churches for (their prayers) resulting in the smooth change of government in Parliament.”
He is hoping that there will be more such meetings with Marape in future.
“There will be similar meetings and Marape had openly remarked that he would be willing to attend those events.”
He also praised former PM Peter O’Neill’s “humble and mature attitude to relinquish his position” and allow for the change to take place.