The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) is making history by ensuring rural and remote members can safely participate in its 35th Synod, online.

Head Bishop Rev Dr Jack Urame for safety reasons, has urged people not to cross the Vitiaz Strait in small boats due to strong winds and heavy rainfall forecasted by the Papua New Guinea National Weather Office to attend the synod, instead they can participate online. 

Instead, the church is encouraging members to stay in their communities and follow the week-long synod online through its official Facebook page.

“This year, we want everyone to take part safely, even if they cannot travel to the island. The synod is a church event, and all instructions must be followed,” Dr Urame said.

For delegates who will attend in person, only 50 representatives from each of the church’s 17 districts will board ships. Lutheran Shipping has made two vessels, MV Lalibu and MV Momase, available to transport delegates from Lae and Madang to Bunsil Station in Siassi Tewai Siassi District.

Dr Urame said the synod, as the church’s highest decision-making body, will review performance reports from church executives, updates from districts, and institutional reports from Lutheran University. Reports from health, education, and other church departments will also be presented.

He clarified that this synod will be held without elections, with the next electoral synod scheduled for 2028 in accordance with the church constitution.

By combining safe sea transport for delegates with live-streamed sessions for the wider membership, the ELCPNG aims to make church governance accessible to everyone — particularly those in rural and hard-to-reach areas — while ensuring safety amid adverse weather conditions.