Elders emphasise on marriage values

VILLAGE elders in East New Britain have urged married people to treat their union with respect.
Elders in Navunaram village also raised concern about failed marriages among young couples.
During a bride price payment last Saturday, elder Ngiala Takap said many young people today fell back on their parents for accommodation and financial help but, in return, showed no respect for their parents.
“Many young married couples who live with their parents do not show respect for their parents during their private arguments,” Takap said.
“They tend to destroy their parents’ properties and that is a shameful thing.
“Learn to respect your parents in every way possible, even when arguing with your spouse.”
Takap said many youths today failed to understand that marriage came with responsibilities.
He said too often, young men in Tolai society settle their marriages with tabu na varvai, which was the initial and partial bride price payment.
“It is a trend in the Tolai society these days where young people think tabu na varvai was the solution to marriages and that has
caused them not to fully uphold the qualities of marriage.
“Our customs and traditions are not followed correctly,” he said.
Pastor Ben Wartir of the Christian Fellowship Centre supported Takap, saying many marriages today were built on
money and not Christian and traditional principles.
“Marriage should be honoured according to our traditions and the Word of God which remains supreme.
“Most people today view marriage as buying a piece of laplap (cloth) and throwing it away when it gets old,” Wartir said.