PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has officially launched the Churches Jubilee Year Celebrations. This marks the start of an important spiritual and national event.
Papua New Guinea will celebrate 50 years of Independence on September 16, 2025.
The launch event was held at APEC Haus this week.
It followed the theme “Niupela Peles, Niupela PNG, Yumi Hamamas.”
Church leaders, government officials, and citizens from around the country attended.
Prime Minister Marape gave a speech.
In that he praised the Church for its strong role in shaping the country. He said the Church helped build the nation’s moral and spiritual foundation.
To honor the Church, PM Marape invited his 81-year-old father to the event.
His father was a pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist Church before PNG became independent. He served in many parts of the country. This personal story added meaning to the event.
People at the event were moved by this gesture. It made the occasion more special.
In his speech, PM Marape shared memories of growing up in a Church environment.
He continued it helped shape his life and career.
He thanked the Church for its work in education, healthcare, leadership, and community unity.
PM Marape said, “Since 1975, the Church has stood with our people. It gave us strength during hard times and supported us in good times.”
He added that the Church reached remote areas even before the Government did.
PM Marape said his government will keep working with the Church. He promised ongoing partnership even after the Jubilee Year ends.
He said, “Faith-based groups have helped shape our national identity. We will keep supporting them in the next 50 years.”
The Jubilee Year for churches is part of PNG’s 50th Independence Celebrations. These will run from September 16, 2025, to September 15, 2026.
The motto of the event is “Celebrating 50 Years of Divine Guidance.” It shows how important faith has been in PNG’s journey.
PM Marape asked all citizens to take this time to reflect, pray, and seek healing. He announced a month of prayer and repentance in August. It will lead up to National Repentance Day on August 26.
He said, “This Jubilee is not just about the past. It’s a call to build a better and stronger nation.”
Major churches and alliances took part in the launch. These included the PNG Council of Churches, Body of Christ, and Evangelical Alliance. Church leaders spoke about unity and renewal. They shared their plans for the coming months leading up to Independence Day.
PM Marape also announced a Day of Reconciliation. It will be held on August 30, 2025, between PNG and Bougainville. This is to support peace and unity.
He said, “We must choose reconciliation. We have had challenges, but we stand together as one people.”
The Jubilee Year launch set the tone for reflection and celebration. Church leaders shared how they are preparing people for the big celebrations. These will include cultural events, prayer meetings, and forums for unity.
As the country heads toward its 50th year of independence, PM Marape’s message is clear: faith, unity, and divine guidance have led the nation and will continue to guide its future.
He ended by saying, “Let this be a year of renewal for everyone. As we move into a new PNG, let us stay strong in faith, hope, and unity.”