A total of K2,255,378.03 was distributed among churches under the PNG Churches Council today.
The amount is the government allocated grant as per the church state partnership program.
The program is under the office of religion, previously under the Department of National Planning.
Since its shift to the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion, the occasion today was the first formal gathering of such under the new department.
Minister Soroi Eoe and Secretary Anna Solomon presented the cheques to various churches, represented by each church leader.
The Department thanked the church council for the relationship – one that has existed for years and expected to continue in years to come.
Minister Eoe, on behalf of his ministry and department, pledged a commitment to a stronger partnership.
For accountability and transparency, he asked each church to provide a work plan to the ministry and acquittals and reports to be prepared at year end.
He said the government has allocated K10 million for 2018 and transparency from their end will make the release of funds an easy process.
Representing the churches, Colonel Kelvin Alley from the Salvation Army acknowledged the financial support.
He said PNG is the only country with such a strong relationship between the church and state.
As the largest most connected organisation in the country, he pledged the churches’ the commitment to assisting in the development of the country.
Secretary Solomon said this partnership is one that will change the country.
(Minister Soroi Eoe, fourth left, with church representatives and secretary Anna Solomon, second right)