Over 5,000 delegates gather for ELCPNG 35th National Synod in Bunsil, Morobe

More than 5,000 delegates from the 17 districts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea [ELCPNG] gathered at Bunsil Station in Tewai–Siassi District, Morobe Province, for the Church’s 35th National Synod, which began on Sunday.

The week-long synod is being held under the theme “Stand Firm, We Are Free,” bringing together church leaders, clergy, and lay representatives from across the country to deliberate on spiritual, administrative, and developmental matters affecting the church.

Formal sessions commenced on Monday, January 19, with the presentation of key reports from the Head Bishop, Assistant Bishop, Church Secretary, and Church Treasurer.

The 35th National Synod is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

The opening ceremony was marked by a powerful and emotional moment of reconciliation, when the local district pastor publicly apologised to Australian missionaries for the treatment they received in the past from ancestors of the area.

A special prayer of reconciliation was offered, calling for healing and unity and to prevent generational curses.

The gathering at Bunsil station marks a historic milestone for the Siassi district, as it hosts the national synod for the first time, showcasing both the spiritual significance of the event and the growing role of the district within the ELCPNG.

In a show of strong political support, Bulolo MP, Sam Basil, Jnr with Ialibu–Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill, each committed K100,000 towards the operational costs of hosting the synod.