The PNG Council of Churches (PNGCC) has launched a handbook to promote health and theological messages supporting the safety, effectiveness and importance of COVID-19 vaccination.
The PNGCC COVID-19 Vaccine Handbook was launched in Port Moresby on Monday 18th October by PNGCC Chairman Cardinal Sir John Ribat along with Health Minister Hon. Jelta Wong, Heads of Churches and Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp.
Cardinal Sir John Ribat said the handbook gives all churches a starting point for informed discussions with their congregations and broader communities about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Our great God in his wisdom has blessed the world’s leading scientists with knowledge which has led to advanced research and development of vaccines to protect the lives of men, women and children,” he said.
“The PNGCC has given its undivided support for the use of the COVID-19 vaccine as a safe, effective and lifesaving provision by God for the protection of our people during the unprecedented times of COVID-19 Pandemic.”
“We now need church leaders to give their congregations accurate information about vaccines and combat myths that are causing people to avoid vaccines to the detriment of their health and community wellbeing.”
The PNGCC had previously declared its support for COVID-19 vaccines as a safe, effective and lifesaving tool to protect people from sickness and death because of the pandemic.
“The PNGCC church leaders support the vaccine as the safest way to protect people against COVID-19,” Cardinal Sir John Ribat said.
“This was a stance taken after examination of the theological, cultural, social, academic, media and political issues; analysis of common doubts and suspicions; and believing in God as the giver of life.
“We commit our members to protecting their families, communities and country by supporting the national vaccination rollout.”
The PNGCC is a coordinating body of the seven Mainline Churches in Papua New Guinea, mandated to be the prophetic voice of the Churches to the nation on social, political, religious, and economic issues.
The PNGCC Covid-19 Vaccine Handbook is freely available online at