Lutherans mark 40 years of autonomy

THE Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) unveiled a plaque yesterday to commemorate 40 years of autonomy in the country.
Despite heavy rainfall in Lae, many Lutheran faithful  attended the event and laid wreaths to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary.
Bishop of ELCPNG Rev Jack Urame said the plaque was built to remember those who had contributed to the development of ELCPNG in the country.
“This plaque is special as it would inspire us as we continue the work of early Christians who sacrificed to build this church,” he said.
He said the work of early missionaries, who transformed ELCPNG, should not go unnoticed and the plaque would signify their sacrifice and commitment.
“As we unveil this plaque, let us cooperate and stand firm to carry on with their work as we remember them,” Urame said.
He said the plaque was built so that future generations would know about the history of the church.
“From humble beginnings, the Lutheran Church has transformed into one of the leading churches in PNG in terms of the role that it does in developing PNG,” he said.
Urame said ELCPNG’s population has increased to more than 1.2 million since it gained autonomy in 1976, a year after PNG’s independence.
Chairman for ELCPNG events committee Wesley Kerenga said that ELCPNG had seven districts when it gained autonomy and the number increased to 17 so far.
Kerenga said early missionaries arrived in Finschhafen on July 12, 1886 so the plaque was unveiled to commemorate that as well.