Here is what people had to say on the inquiry into PNG becoming a Christian country which was recently launched by Prime Minister James Marape.
Martin Mondu – Port Moresby
I would say there is nothing wrong with this attempt by the government. There is no harm in this. The current leadership values Christian religion highly and thinks this is the best thing it would do for PNG. But, again salvation is an individual matter, and how each citizen will live by that name tag is another matter. It is only the actual content of the initiative that we may question.
Dudley Runan – Morobe
I believe it would be a great idea to constitutionally declare PNG as a Christian Country. Our Christian values represented in our high courts and everywhere in PNG. The funding part should not be an issue here. I believe, in the long run it will help guide the next generation of Papua New Guineans that are coming up. They must have great respect for our Christian values as well as other religions that are also in PNG.
Every day, cases and reports of violence and other forms of abuse and social issues are on the rise. So if this inquiry to declare PNG as Christian country would possibly bring positive outcomes in the future. Then, why not?
Melchior – Port Moresby
There is really no need to declare PNG as a Christian country because we already are a Christian country. The rights of religion as mentioned in the constitution, we are born with this rights and beliefs. The freedom of Christianity is already guided by our Constitution. Our Christian beliefs and by the Christian Principles, we are already declared to be Christians. We believe in the birth and resurrection of Jesus and that is the main Christian Principles we all have.
Amelia Watch – Mt. Hagen
I believe PNG is already known as a Christian nation so they should just declare it in the constitution instead of spending K5 million for the consultation process. This money should be put in other development need areas for the country.
Gethrude Bakaie – Port Moresby
As a citizen of PNG our actions should depict Christianity since PNG is already a Christian nation. To amend Christianity in our constitution at the cost of K5 million is pretty unwise. Obviously, we all know that religion is not the problem but corruption is. Why not invest the K5m in our deteriorating basic services like Health, Education, Road and etc.
Puana Jonnah – Port Moresby
For myself, I agree that PNG should be recognized as a Christian country by the Law. In PNG, almost everyone belongs to a Christian religion and share different beliefs. They know the different teachings of the bible and the truth that comes with it. And therefore, for the government to put the law to guide our Christian beliefs, I agree with that. It is for the better and future of the country.
Kingston Iyana – Port Moresby
I say it is good to have our country recognized by our Constitution as a Christian country. It is good for our Christian beliefs and therefore we have to take a bold stand in our Christian way of life. We have to have trust and faith in our own country.
Cathy Murunata – Madang
Why declare PNG as Christian Country when clubbing, prostitution, everyday criminal activities and the ordinary lifestyle is based on other activities and hardly they put Lord first in their daily walkabouts.
A survey needs to be carried out into LLG, towns, villages and all the nooks and croons of every location so that every person has a say about this mandate. Should this be mandated then it must be a norm now for every household , schools, offices, villages, tribes , clans and every single one to do a daily fellowship before their day begins at workplace, schools and everyday activities.
Are we really and truly ready to take up this mandate? I for one strongly believe that this mandate should be discussed in the house of Parliament before being implemented. In order for this mandate to be really implemented it will wholly begin with the leader. The leader takes the lead and the people will follow.
Josephine Vauro – Port Moresby
A nation that is built on the foundation of Christianity is supposedly called a Christian nation. By constitution the country serves under the guiding principles from the bible. We are seen as a Christian country because the state supports and participates fully in the affairs of all religious groups. It is evident in our homes, community and society. Often we see that little attention is given from the government yet the churches have done a tremendous job in our nation building. With all these, we are proud to say we are a Christian nation. However, in my opinion we can call ourselves a Christian nation but we are not entirely free from our Melanesian spirit. That is why PNG is culturally rooted but can accept and embrace Christianity influence in our lives.
Sebastian Youm – Madang
I think 90 percent of the population practices Christian principles and believes which mean they are Christians. It would be fitting to declare our country a Christian Country but MUST NOT declare a specific denomination as the country’ church preference ( denomination) because there are different Christian churches in Papua New Guinea which makes up the 97 percent population of Christians in the country. These churches have and are playing a greater role in helping this great nation of Papua New Guinea, therefore one should not be seen as a superior church nor publicly declared the country’s church.
The Government also needs to amend section 45 of the constitution as well. I do agree that Papua New Guinea is a Christian country because of the Christian population and also our Constitution was written based on our customs, culture and with our traditional believes intertwined with Christian principles and teachings.