Community aghast with arsonists

THE Catholic community in Western Highlands’ Togoba village are aghast with arsonists who razed their church on Friday.
The Togoba Parish Church is believed to have been torched by arsonists at 2am.
Togoba Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Mt Hagen Diocese patron Mathew Namba told The National that Christians had gathered at the site to grieve, joined by fellow Christians from other parishes in the province.
He said Archbishop Douglas Young, who visited the scene, expressed sympathy and comforted Christians saying: “We will rise from the ashes”.
Namba said everyone was wondering how the fire started and who was or were responsible for the destruction of the iconic building that would take some time to reconstruct.
“It is the work of satan and we are looking for suspects to be held accountable for the damage and turmoil that they have caused,” he said.
“The burning down of the church will not shatter our faith.
“We are strong believers, and although, today may be the day of sadness, God will provide and tomorrow will be a day of joy.
Coordinator Joseph Tep said: “We are suspicious of work of some people in the community.
“It was planned and the building was torched by arsonists.
“Everyone was asleep and could not save the building nor their belongings.
“Many were shocked in the morning to see the church building gone.”
He said Christians from the parish were appealing to fellow Catholics and other organisations in the country to help rebuild the church.
Tep appealed to youths not to destroy any church as it was unethical and has its repercussions.
“In the meantime, we will set up a tent for worship and prayers.”