Couples urged to support each other during mass wedding

By HEZRON KISING
THE St Paul Lutheran church Parish in Lae, Morobe, has made an historic moment when 18 couples received marriage blessings in a first of its kind mass wedding last Sunday.
Evangelical Lutheran church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) head bishop Rev Jack Urame, who witnessed the occasion, said marriage in church was part of Christian belief and was a good thing.
“A man must have his helping hand, someone to help him in his daily activities; in times of need and in times of surplus, in times of sorrow and in times of joy,” he said.
“A woman also needs a strong helping hand that can take care and look after her and the family.
“The sealing of this bond between a husband and his wife has indicated that the Lord Almighty God and the church has recognised this marriage and will bless it as it grows.
“You two’s are the supporting hands of each other and should help each other wherever needed, and in order for us to do that we need to follow our Christian principles to overcome every day’s life’s challenges.”
Parish pastor Gerry Mangiri and ELCPNG assistant bishop Lucas Kedabing orchestrated the marriage blessing upon the couples swearing of oaths.
Mangiri told the couples: “When the Lord seals your marriage, men has no power to separate that marriage”.
He said marriage was an important part of life with great responsibilities.
Kedabing encouraged others who were married outside of church to have their marriage blessed and teach their children Christian principles.