THE Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI) have recently converged and discussed important matters concerning national security during the 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Port Moresby.
The conference was held at the CBC headquarters in Port Moresby where it had its panel of distinguished speakers including, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, His Excellency Archbishop Anton Bal of Madang and the President of CBCPNGSI, His Grace Archbishop Rochus Tatamai of Rabaul and His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy of Bereina.
Seven key matters were deliberated and presented that included: PNG as a Christian country, Partnership, Election 2022, Corruption, Casino and Covid-19 scenario in the country.
All these issues of national interest were discussed in line with the Church theme for 2022: Salt and Light (church in society).
In a statement released, a reaffirmation was made on the stance of the Catholic Church in regard to the proposal to declare PNG as a Christian country.
“We believe that this proposal is unnecessary and even dangerous as it opens the door for a church with political links establishing itself as the State religion and claiming priority for funding,” the statement read.
It also called for the government to honour its commitment to support the Church in its efforts and to start recognizing the Church as a partner and not just a mere agent.
“What we want is that the State honours its enacted commitments for partnership in education and health.
“We are not agents of the State. We are partners. We were providing education and health services before the State came along and might well be doing it when the State is gone,” it read.
“The State has promised to support us and what is their responsibility because what we do is in harmony with what they are supposed to do.
“We are keeping our side of the agreement but the State is not,” it further outlined.
The general election for 2022, the issue of corruption, and the proposed casino by Paga Hill Development Corporation and the National gaming Control Board were also captured.
“We are alarmed that the problem of corruption is not getting solved. We want to see ICAC functioning properly and support the goal of the government to appoint independent commissioners.
“For the country to have its own casino is a big step from raffles, poker machines and horse racing to the casino world of high flyers with associated money laundering and crime. Of all the possibilities for enhancing tourism in PNG, this must be the worst choice possible,” the clergy men said.
The situation of COVID-19 faced by the country was also highlighted.
“Although aware of many different views, we continue to maintain on advice from health experts, that COVID is real, dangerous and deadly.
“We encourage everyone to be vaccinated. Our theme for 2022 will reflect on the role of the Church in society, so that the whole church, clergy, religion and lay can work together to make PNG a truly Christian country whose people live gospel values and the church’s social teaching in their daily lives,” the statement read.