Lutheran bishop passes on

 HEAD bishop of the Melpa Lutheran church (MLC) Sanagke Dole died in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands, last Thursday.

Dole, aged 68, passed away at the MLC headquarters at Kontkona village in Tega, Mt Hagen, after a short illness.

Hundreds of church followers and provincial leaders have gathered at Kontkona to mourn his death.

Dole became head bishop of the church in 2000.

He is survived by his wife, four children and 13 grandchildren.

Among his achievements during  his term was being a founder of Kambang Holdings, owner of the Lutheran Shipping company.

Kambang Holdings is owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea.

Dole, from the Kukluka tribe in Western Highlands, was described as a person who followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Western Highlands businessman John Buri described Dole as a person who had done a lot to serve mankind.

“I have a great respect for Sanagke as he is a key person. We have to follow his footsteps and that will bring us good things in life.”

Funeral service organiser Isaac Kumbamong described Dole as a very important leader whose death was a big loss to the Melpa Lutheran church.

Dole’s body was at the funeral home in Goroka and his burial would be held on Saturday.