ELC records to be ready

By GABRIEL LAHOC
THE head of the finance division of the Evangelical Lutheran church of PNG has publicly assured the 1.2 million Lutheran Christians nationwide that all financial records will be published at the next Synod in Goroka next year.
ELC-PNG finance secretary James Pena made this announcement in front of assistant bishop Rev Zao Rapa, Bulolo MP Sam Basil and parishioners of Kisim Bek parish at their Thanksgiving Day in Tent City, Morobe, last Sunday.
Pena said false claims in the church had been a problem in all districts of the church, affecting its many assets, including land and business arms.
Pena, who spoke after Basil expressed his disappointment at the level of corruption in the church and the effect it had on the spirituality of believers, told the people that he would perform his duties without fear or favour.
“It is a huge task to cover all the districts by 2012 but by 2014 I believe things should be in place,” he said in reference to the task of following-up, investigating and auditing the church’s financial reports.
Pena also said he supported the idea of a private member’s bill to see the University Act achieved in parliament for the ELC-PNG’s proposed Lutheran University to be a reality.