Lutheran semianary sees first theology students graduate with diplomas

Faith

A LUTHERAN seminary in Morobe has graduated the first students of its theology and pastoral diploma programme.
Senior Flierl Lutheran Seminary in Logaweng, Finschhafen, held its graduation last Saturday and Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ECLPNG) assistant bishop Rev Lucas Kedabing said the diploma programme was established following a review during the synod in Heldsbach, Finschhafen.
During the synod, it was discovered that many pastors faced
problems in their communities because they lacked knowledge in theology.
“We’ve reviewed our curriculum to produce more theologians
and academics and the nine students graduating are the pioneers of the reviewed curriculum,” he said.
“Every day in the news, we read about rape within the family, no respect for law enforcers, and these are some issues we are trying to teach our pastors to go out and help in addressing them within the congregation and outside.
“Today, our religious values are fading and declining.
“Our moral, social and ethical values that hold us together are decaying and you will go out and help address this. “Sorcery-related issues is on the rise and it’s one
of the main issues that you will address while you are out on the field.”
Seminary principal Rev Benson Joseph said the seminary would also look at integrating more courses into the curriculum.