Church leaders from across Papua New Guinea today launched a new national strategy to address Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) at a special event in Goroka attended by church leaders, government representatives and provincial officials. The strategy brings churches together around a common commitment to prevent violence, support survivors, and help communities move away from fear and accusation.
The strategy sends a clear message: no person should be harmed, tortured, displaced or killed because they have been accused of sorcery. Churches are committing to promote peace, protect life, and uphold the dignity of every person.
Speaking at the launch, Rev Roger Joseph, General Secretary of the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches, said churches were united in their determination to confront the issue.
"Today, churches across Papua New Guinea are standing together to say that Sorcery Accusation Related Violence must stop," said Reverend Joseph. "Violence is always unacceptable. It goes against the values of love, compassion, and respect that are shared by all people of faith."
The strategy, developed by the PNG Council of Churches with support from the PNG-Australia Partnership, commits churches to take action through their existing networks across the country. Churches will train pastors and church leaders, provide teaching on non-violence and human dignity, support people affected by accusations, help calm tensions when accusations arise, work alongside police and health workers, support safehouses and counselling services, and use church schools, health services, radio stations and community programmes to raise awareness.
While churches are committing to play their part, church leaders said a stronger national response is also needed.
Reverend Joseph called on the Government of Papua New Guinea to deliver on its recent promises to tackle SARV and work with the Churches to deliver its long-delayed SARV National Action Plan.
"We welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement to Parliament this week where he committed to funding the National Action Plan, establishing a coordinated secretariat and involving frontline organisations in efforts to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice.” said Reverend Joseph.
“The Churches are ready to work with the Government to put an end to SARV for good.”
The Churches’ SARV strategy aligns closely with the Government’s National Action Plan while recognising the unique role churches play in shaping attitudes, values and community behaviors across Papua New Guinea