Madang government backs Lutheran delegates with K100,000 for 35th ELC Synod

The Madang Provincial Government has come to the aid of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church with financial assistance of K100,000 as they prepare to attend the 2026 ELC Synod on Siassi Island in the Morobe Province.

Governor Ramsey Pariwa presented the money on Sunday evening- K50, 000 cash to delegates from Madang District and another K50,000 cash to ELC Karkar District.

The money will enable their travel to attend the 35th Synod of ELC-PNG from January 19- 23rd at Bunsil Station, Siassi Island.

Prior to the financial presentation, Governor Pariwa Governor acknowledged the immense contribution by the Christian Churches to the growth of the nation and Madang through socio-economic development and, importantly, the spiritual life of the people.

Governor Pariwa acknowledged that the Churches were the forerunners in vital social services, including health and education in many rural parts of the country, well before the government came into being.

Mr. Pariwa handed over K50, 000 to the Secretary of ELC Madang District, Gideon Kubong, while another K50,000 was presented to Rev. Ibak Matei, who is ELC Karkar District, former president and current advisor.

The ELC Madang and Karkar delegates appreciated the wonderful opportunity to have had an audience with Governor Pariwa in his office.

Rev Kasek Kautil, who is a former general manager of the ELC Kristen Press Incorporated, a printing business entity of the church utilised the opportunity to highlight how the churches and government could work together in partnership to revive the church's businesses which are currently run down and infrastructures in dilapidated state.

Governor Pariwa was supportive in principle of what Rev. Kasek had highlighted in the preliminary discussion.

Mr Pariwa also announced to the Lutheran church elders that he would be joining the ELC Madang and Karkar Districts at the closing of the 35th ELC PNG Synod.

The Head Bishop of ELC-PNG Rev. Jack Urame had announced the theme of the 35th Synod as "Stand Firm, We are Free"….Galatians 5:1.

Rev Urame explained that the 35th Synod arrives at a special moment in the ELC-PNG history, as in 2026 the church will celebrate 50 years as a fully-fledged local church.

"This milestone reminds us not only of political and organizational freedom but more importantly of spiritual freedom we have in Christ, a freedom that guides our entity and mission as God's people," he emphasized.