We must work with govt on sorcery, says Bishop Urame

By LARRY ANDREW
Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG head bishop Jack Urame says churches must work with the government to address sorcery-related issues.
Speaking at a three-day workshop on sorcery in Lae last week, Urame said it was a big issue in society.
He said many people had been killed, families had been displaced and different forms of sorcery accusation-based violence were taking place and increasing all the time.
“Sorcery-related violence is increasing all the time even though there are many publications, research done and information given to people,” Urame said.
“People continue to embrace this belief. Because a lot of people are suffering, we are concerned.
“We have to do something to minimise violence related to sorcery belief, or completely stop violence from occurring in our communities. That is our major concern.”
Urame said the main problem was in the minds of the people.
“Our mindsets are basically shaped by the wrongdoings we have, how we interpret sickness and death,” he said. “In times of social crisis, when people experience death, people continue to blame each other.
“Most important step is to come up with an approach to change the mindsets of our people: To change the way they see and interpret issues related to sickness and death.
“When they change, I think this will be positive change in society.”