Government-Church Partnership

Speaking at the close of the 31st synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG in Sinesine-Yongomugl district’s Mogl village of Simbu Province, Sam Basil noted the importance of the government-church partnership in delivering much-needed services to the people.

Basil, a member for the church, has cautioned the church to be mindful of sorcery, brushing aside claims of its existence.

 “We must not acknowledge its existence. The courts find it hard to establish it as it is to do with spiritualism.

Solomon told Loop PNG they have begun coordinated efforts with development partners to roll out programs under the partnership.

She said the effort to coordinate will be complemented once the funding comes in.

Solomon’s comments come after Minister responsible, Delilah Gore, revealed in Parliament on Tuesday that the K20 million allocated for the Government-Church Partnership Program had yet to be released.

Solomon said it was only the beginning of the year and they expected to the funds to be made available.

Minister responsible, Delilah Gore, revealed this in Parliament today when responding to Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo, who asked if there was a roll out mechanism in place for the program.

Isoaimo said despite it being a government agenda, the policy was eating into the limited funds of the districts.

“My question is that does the department have a implementing mechanism to roll out this program to benefit electorates or districts instead of us having to stretch further into our limited finding that we should really be using for development purposes?” asked Isoaimo.