Kwato church gets new bishop

Faith, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 30th May 2013

 THE Kwato Church of PNG has a new Bishop, the first its 102-year history.

Rev Dagonia Walino was last Sunday ordained as Bishop following a decision by the Church synod last year to change the title of the head of the church from president to bishop.

Hundreds of church members braved the rain to join church elders and guests for the ceremony at the Russel Abel Memorial church, KB Mission in Milne Bay. 

The church was formed on Suau and Kwao islands in the Milne Bay over 100 years ago.

Rev Walino told the congregation he had been challenged by God to serve the people and would work to achieve the church’s objectives.

Milne Bay Governor Titus Philemon pledged the support of the provincial government for the churches, including the one at Kwato.

“I pledge my undivided support for the churches that are involved in serving the spiritual needs as well as human needs of the people of Milne Bay and PNG,” he said.

“These churches are involved in providing services such as education and health, for which Milne Bay has been a major beneficiary for many years and continue to do so.”

Philemon said the National Government and the Milne Bay provincial government were developing a partnership on policies and programmes to enhance effective service delivery.

Planning Minister Charles Abel was among leaders who also congratulated Bishop Walino and pledged to work with him for the good of the church, the members and the people of Milne Bay and PNG.