Lutherans protest by cleaning up

LUTHERAN church members in Lae and nearby circuits in partnership with Karkar Island, Madang, stand united to conduct a cleanathon along sea shores to protest against dumping of mine waste into Huon Gulf Bay.
The peaceful demonstrations using canoes and traditionally-attired warriors are scheduled for Saturday-Monday at Wagang (Sipaia), Vocopoint and DCA Beachfronts.
Participating circuits are Wampar, Lae city, Laulu and Lae.
They will be joined by church members from Karkar Island.
Yabem president Yassam Aiwara said members from Karkar Island walked from Madang to Wampar.
Aiwara said those who travelled by canoe were in Gitua and expected to arrive in Lae on Friday via Finschhafen.
“We stand behind our Lutheran World Federation principal – creation not for sale, human beings not for sale and salvation not for sale,” he said. “This is a peaceful demonstrate church members will conduct in a way of cleanathon.
“It will be conducted along their respective suburbs and beachfronts on Saturday.
“It is purposely to show that human beings’ livelihoods are intimately attached with their natural surroundings.
“Therefore, we care for our natural environment God has created for us to manage wisely.”
Yassam said members would gather at Wagang on Sunday for a church service to thank God for the creation and His blessings to humans.
“On Monday, a float in protest against deep-sea tailing will commence,” Yassam said.
“It will involve people traditionally attired and with banners and placards.
“The attired people will protest along beachfronts and solwara (sea) using canoes in Wagang, Vocopoint and DCA.”