Ex-bishop’s action criticised

 FORMER Kambang Holdings chairman Ricky Mitio says the action of former Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG head bishop Giegere Wenge has brought much embarrassment to the church.

Kambang was the business arm of the church which oversaw Lutheran Shipping for many years until it was liquidated in 2014 with debts of up to K27 million. Mitio was the chairman during the time of the liquidation.

“The office of the Bishop is mandated with the responsibility of delivering the Good News to all Christians,” Mitio said.

“It should not get involved in the cheque book and Bible conflict. Cheque book, money and cargo should not be brought into conflict with the Holy Bible.”

Mitio said the Lutheran church laymen and the secretary should be involved in the business aspects of the church and bring them to the church council.

“That’s where the role is being confused and the church is getting too involved in business, instead of its core function of spreading the Good News,” he said.

Mitio said the debt-to-asset ratio of Kambang was very high and was used to voluntarily liquidate the company.

“That was a commercial decision. Therefore, the new bishop (Jack Urame) should allow the Voluntary Liquidation Supervisory Committee chaired by Bart Philemon to complete its liquidation process, and allow the residual assets of the church to restart Lutheran Shipping,” he said.