Churches must work together, pastor says

 A CHURCH leader is condemning the violent treatment of people accused of sorcery and witchcraft.
Pastor Jack Urame, the director of the Melanesian Institute, in Eastern Highlands, said it had become so common in the country and was much more than a spiritual issue.
He was speaking at Church Partnership Programme forum in Port Moresby.
“The church realises that problems related to sorcery and witchcraft practices are both spiritual and social issue,” he said.
“Personal health, deaths and other misfortunes that have logical explanations are commonly used as excuses to take innocent lives.
“This issue is widespread and closely connected to our belief system.
“The churches role is to bring hope, healing and promote peace, social justice and preach against any form of violence that can dehumanise people.”
He said the churches had not done enough in this area.
He said traditional beliefs often clashed with Christian principles.
“As church members, we have to stand firm on our beliefs to curb violence related to sorcery and witchcraft,” he said.
He urged the churches to take pro-active measures in reducing fear, eliminate these traditional beliefs which often lead to witchcraft and sorcery-related violence.
“Our divided approach towards sorcery and witchcraft is the problem,” he said.
“Churches have to work together to deal with violence related to sorcery and witchcraft.”
He encouraged the churches to change the mindset of people through education and Christian teachings.
“This may take time but the churches have a prophetic role to do,” he said.