Province hosts convention for over 1,000 religious leaders

SOUTHERN Highlands played host to more than 1,000 religious leaders who attended the annual pastors’ convention last month.
Hosted by the Southern Highlands Body of Christ and with multi-denominational representation, convention delegates shared information, clarified misunderstandings and listened to their churches’ positions on the importance of the vaccine.
Mineral Resource Development Company managing director Augustine Mano outlined the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) on global and national economy and his own personal experience being unwell with the Covid-19.
The first-of-a-kind forum was facilitated by Oil Search Foundation (OSF) in partnership with Southern Highlands health authority (PHA), PNG Council of Churches, Body of Christ, the PNG Covid-19 vaccination taskforce and funded by the Australian government.
OSF senior project manager Anthony Uechtritz said: “We will work with our church partners and the Southern Highlands PHA to continue to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine.
“This is a safe vaccine that is being used all over the world and we are encouraging everyone 18 and above to come forward to be vaccinated.”
Reverend Roger Joseph, general -secretary PNG Council of Churches, noted many hurdles in overcoming what he referred to as “fake news” including false information connected with Biblical beliefs and doctrines.
Cardinal Sir John Ribat, who along with Joseph, received his booster vaccine in front of the crowd, explained: “People are hooked into those ideas that have been distributed on social media and that is why it’s hard to change their minds.
“Churches play a critical leadership role in health and in building trust in the Covid-19 vaccine.”
Uechtritz said feedback indicated that those in attendance were convinced they should take the vaccine and believes there will be an increased uptake of the vaccine following the event.
A similar event is being planned to be held in Hela next month.