CWM

United Church in Papua New Guinea

Thursday, 19 July 2007 18:20

Main languages:

• Pidgin English, English, Papuan, Motu

Main religions:

• Christianity (66%), indigenous beliefs (34%)

Government:

• Commonwealth republic. Administered by a governorgeneral, a prime minister, a cabinet and a single-chamber parliament. In 1999, provincial governments were replaced by new regional authorities made up of national members of parliament and local councillors.

National and community concerns:

• Rebuilding of Bougainville after the war between secessionists and PNG forces.
• Periodic flooding and cyclone damage.
• Land disputes.
• Environmental damage owing to logging.
• Widespread crime.

Church priorities and programmes:

• Urban ministry among young people.
• Running elementary, primary and secondary schools in the national education system.
• Running a teachers' college, a theological college, and a lay leaders' training institute.
• Chaplaincies in educational institutions and armed forces.
• Church-run Span Enterprises operates a number of businesses (e.g. general stores).
• Supporting bible schools in each region of Papua New Guinea.
• Ministerial, lay and theological training.
• Developing and training people for mission.

Members/Congregations:

• 600,000/2,600

Women's representation in church:

• Women participate at all levels of decision-making.
• United Church Women's Fellowship is strong throughout the church.

Youth activities:

• Leadership training and ministry among children are priorities.
• Churches support Boys' and Girls' Brigades and youth camps.

Missionaries sent and received through CWM:

• None at present.

For more information:

• Rev Siulangi Kavora, Assembly Secretary

Website:

www.ucpng.com

Prayers:

• For a fall in the high level of crime.
• For the leaders in the assembly and regional offices of the church.