Lutheran bishop warns non-ordained preachers

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

POLITICIANS who are yet to be ordained as church laymen should not stand on the pulpit and preach, says Bishop of the Lutheran Church Jack Urame.

He was commenting on the involvement of politicians in the running of the Lutheran church. 

Members of the church include Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Speaker Theo Zurenuoc, Morobe Governor Kelly Naru, Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil, Huon Gulf MP Ross Seymour, Nawaeb MP Gisuwat Siniwin, Kabwum MP Bob Dadae, Sinasina-Yongomulg MP Kerenga Kua, Daulo MP Ron Ganarafo, Tewai-Siassi MP Mao Zeming and Henganofi MP Robert Atiyafa.

“I do not agree with the idea of politicians standing on the pulpit and preaching,” Urame said.

“They must not be allowed to make political statements in the church. If they are not ordained, they must not preach.”

He said it was also wrong for politicians to give money to the church to solicit votes or other favours from the church members.

He said any assistance given to the church should be given with a clear conscience and should be within the ambit of Christian love, sharing and giving – not with political motives.

He said the church did not discriminate between politicians and small people as Christians were one in the body of Christ.

He said the work of running the church belonged to ordained laymen while the politics belonged to politicians. Urame was elected head-bishop of Lutheran Church in the recent Finshhafen synod.