Scott
Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG
correspondent
Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has passed
a constitutional amendment formally recognising the nation
as a Christian country.
The decision, made on Tuesday
(March 12), saw an overwhelming majority of 80 votes in
favour and only four against.
The amendment introduces
a declaration in the preamble of the Constitution, stating:
“(We) acknowledge and declare God, the Father; Jesus Christ,
the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of
the entire universe and the source of our powers and
authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within
the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.”
In
addition, Christianity will now be reflected in the Fifth
Goal of the Constitution, and the Bible will be recognised
as a national symbol.
Prime Minister James Marape, a
vocal advocate for the amendment, expressed his satisfaction
with the outcome.
“I am happy,” he said.
“This
constitutional amendment finally recognises our country as a
Christian country. This reflects, in the highest form, the
role Christian churches have played in our development as a
country.”
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The amendment follows
extensive consultations conducted by the PNG Constitutional
Law Reform Commission in 2022.
Communities, churches,
and civil society groups across the nation were engaged in
discussions, with widespread support for the
change.
Marape emphasised the historical and ongoing
contributions of Christian churches to Papua New Guinea’s
unity and development.
“With so much diversity,
languages, associated cultures, and tribal affiliations, no
one can dispute the fact that Christian churches have
anchored our country’s unity and togetherness,” he
stated.
He also highlighted the role of churches in
providing services in areas where government presence is
limited.
Marape also clarified that the amendment does
not infringe on the rights of individuals practicing other
religions.
Section 45 of the PNG Constitution, which
protects freedom of conscience, thought, and religion,
remains
intact.
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