Lutheran church vows to work with government

 THE Evangelical Lutheran church of PNG has welcomed a commitment by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to work closely with Christian churches in the country.

O’Neill, who was speaking during the Catholic Bishop’s conference in Port Moresby last week, said that the government recognised the work of churches.

Assistant Bishop Zau Rapa said the Lutheran church had spent 125 years in helping to develop the country through education, health and infrastructure expansion programme.

Rev Rapa said the church-government partnership programme would certainly boost 

progress.

“We call ourselves a Christian country and what the Prime Minister has said is fruit of that statement.”

He warned however that corruption was a major setback in the church’s and government’s efforts to bring development to Papua New Guineans.

“Churches must also be aware of corrupt deals and both government and church must use all their resources for the good of people and the country,” Rapa said.