Synod focuses on United church leaders and affairs

THE 43rd United church regional synod began in Port Moresby yesterday.
The synod, at the Rev Sioni Kami Memorial church, will run for more than a week, ending next Sunday.
Delegates and observers, church heads, staff and circuit representatives had travelled in from Lae, Goroka, Popondetta, Madang, Wewak, Vanimo and Lorengau including Central and host centre Port Moresby.
Synod planning committee chairman Dr Mari Apana said this year’s synod would focus on “developing and empowering leaders in mission”.
When officially opening the event yesterday, Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane challenged churches to practise what they preached.
“If the constitution declares PNG as a Christian country, then leaders must work together to change the mindset of the people to live in harmony,” he said.
“The people of PNG must think, talk and do things reflective of the constitution,” Sir Paulias said.
“Do we practise the Christian principle of our country?” he asked.