Priest takes leave to contest election

By GIBSON TORASO
UPNG journalism student
A Catholic priest from Bunum Wo, North Waghi, Jiwaka province, has been given a year’s leave to contest the general election.
Fr Robert Nolye, who is attached to the Karap Catholic parish in Jimi, was last Sunday released by Mt Hagen Catholic archdiocese Bishop Douglas Young to go ahead with his intention of contesting the Jiwaka regional seat.
He has been replaced in the parish by Fr Michael of Nondugl Parish.
A handover ceremony was witnessed by more than 600 people, including Lutherans who held a combined service with Catholics.
Bishop Young said Nolye was a hard working priest who had courageously worked to extend the gospel of Christ.
“We will miss him as a priest for the year. I accept his year-long leave on behalf of his family and relatives,” Young said.
He encouraged Noyle to let God control him over the year he is on leave.
Speaking on behalf of Nolye’s family and relatives, Gabriel Gus urged the archbishop to accept his leave request.