Papua New Guinea is finally formally recognizing the role of Christianity and the work of churches in unifying the country’s diverse population.
Parliament recently voted to enable the Constitution of PNG to declare its affinity to and identity as a Christian country with these words to appear in the preamble of the Constitution, “(we) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.”
Parliament voted 80-4 in favor of the bill to include this declaration in the Preamble of the Constitution, to reflect Christianity as part of the PNG Ways in the Fifth Goal, which is also in the Preamble, to make a similar identification in section 1, and to declare the Bible as one of the national symbols in Section 3 of the Constitution.
The long-awaited amendment is a component of the PNG Constitutional Law Reform Commission’s comprehensive work in 2022 across the nation, which involved consultation with local and provincial leaders, churches, civil society, and communities.
All of these groups agreed that these significant declarations should be included in the constitution.
Prime Minister James Marape who is a longtime advocate for PNG’s Christian churches working alongside government service both before and after independence, expressed delight at the bill’s passing.
“I am happy. This constitutional amendment finally recognizes our country as a Christian country.”
“This reflects, in the highest form, the role Christian churches have played in our development as a country.”
“With so much diversity, languages, associated cultures and tribal affiliations, no one can dispute the fact that Christian churches have anchored our country’s unity and togetherness.”
“Christian churches precede government in many areas; where government is absent, churches are there.”
“Churches and missionaries have been here well before 1975, the first one of them more than 150 years ago, and they continue to be here to this day, and will continue to work and help our people.”
PM Marape clarified that this change to the Constitution does not prohibit those from other religions from practicing their faith, as section 45 of the Constitution, which protects the freedom of conscience, thought and religion, is intact.
“This is not an operational law, but an addition to the preamble of the Constitution; that we are now placing God in His rightful place.”
“When we look into the Christian ethos and theology, it recognizes God as the Creator of the universe, the world and our country.”
“And so, through this, we recognize God as the Creator of the resources we have and the Creator of our life.”
“I offer my highest commendations to the Members of Parliament for their votes.”
“This is the final vote and so the due process will run its course and amendment take place.”