ELCPNG to install executives re-elected during synod

By JACINTA COHLEE
THE Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) will install its executives who regained their positions during the recent synod at ELC Emmanuel district in Ialibu, Southern Highlands.
The installation ceremony for the head bishop, Rev Dr Jack Urame, Assistant Bishop, Rev Lucas Kedabing and the church secretary Bernard Kaisom will occur on Sunday, at Ogelbeng seminary, ELC Hagen district in the Western Highlands.
The head of the Evangelism department, Rev Hans Giegere, said the church council at a meeting on March 1, endorsed that the installation would occur at ELC Hagen district, and this would be the first out of Lae for the executives, which traditionally was always in Lae.
“This will be because Hagen is the central location, where it will make it accessible for the church members from both ELC highlands and coastal districts to attend and witness the ceremony,” Giegere said.
“Executives will renew their commitment to God, the church members, and the national church, pledging to continue the work they have accomplished over their two terms and to complete their final term of another four years as church executives.”
The executives retained their positions for a third term, during the recent 34th synod at Southern Highlands, despite competition from four other candidates.
Urame defended his positions against Rev Elymas Bakung from Kotec, Rev Kedabing against Rev Kiage Motoro from Chimbu and Rev Sere Muhuyu from Kotec, while Kaison against Hans Gima from Hagen.
Urame expressed gratitude for re-electing them for a third and final term, highlighting the confidence the people had in their leadership over the past years.
He assured the voters that their mandate for the next four years would significantly impact the church’s decisions and results before the term ends in January 2028.
Urame concluded by stating that the synod was a battle of faith for the Lutheran believers, underpinned by the church’s need for stability. This quest for stability led to the election outcome, demonstrated as an act of God’s intervention.