Same-sex marriage opposed

PAPUA New Guinea’s fifth largest Christian church has publicly opposed same-sex marriage, saying it’s not going to happen in the country.
In a statement, the moderator of the United Church in Papua New Guinea, Rev Bernard Siai, said there will be no same-sex marriage in PNG even though its sister church in Australia has decided to allow it.
Siai said the two churches were independent partners in mission and development spanning well over 100 years.
He said the decisions made by the leaders of both countries based on ecumenical partnerships should be respected, although there may be differences on doctrinal matters.
The Uniting Church in Australia has advised the PNG church that “the existing statement of belief – ‘marriage for Christians is the freely given consent and commitment in public and before God of a woman and man to live together for life’ – has been retained.
“Marriage for Christians is the freely-given consent and commitment in public and before God of two people to live together for life.
“Same-sex marriage is a global-sensitive and topical issue and we should not shy away from reality.
“As a Christian church in PNG, our response to people pursuing other lifestyles should be done with grace and love.”
Siai urged his church members to pray to seek God’s will and guidance on this issue.
“It is important to allow only God to pass judgment on the lifestyles that people choose,” Siai said.
He called on church members to submit written thoughts to the assembly office as part of the overall exercise in addressing same-sex marriage.
The United Church makes up 10.3 per cent of PNG’s population. The Catholic Church is the largest Christian group, making up 26 per cent of the population.