Administrator

Published: 14 March 2025

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In 2020 the PNG government has proposed and declared PNG as a Christian country. This means that Christianity is the state religion, although in article 45 of the country's Constitution it recognizes the freedom of other religions. However, this freedom is limited because the status of the state religion is Christianity. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Marape when the proposal to declare PNG a Christian country was first submitted.

According to him, this Constitution is supported by the high population of PNG citizens who adhere to Christianity, and its influence on society in this country is very significant and changes their lives.

However, there is also rejection and rejection of the constitution. Dr Eugene Ezebilo from the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) in his writing emphasized that "the PNG Constitution does not recognize Christianity as the state religion". He proposed that if PNG wants to become a Christian country, Article 45 of the Constitution must be amended to specifically recognize Christianity as the state religion and establish a state church.

There is also opposition from Catholic prelates in PNG Archbishop Anton Bal, president of the Papua New Guinea bishops' conference, said the declaration would undermine existing laws. Cardinal Ribat also expressed disappointment over the government's suggestion that it should at least consult with different churches or religious institutions.

However, the PNG government is still consistent with the declaration, as seen from the statement of the PNG Prime Minister, "Although the Preamble to our Constitution begins with our traditions and Christian principles that are ours, Article 45 of our Constitution does not only recognize Christianity or Christianity, but also other religions," he said. "Everyone is given freedom of religion and worship as long as it does not interfere with the freedom of others, but this freedom is not complete freedom.

It can be controlled or limited by the government for the purposes of defense, public safety, public order, welfare and public health in accordance with Article 38." After that commitment was built for approximately 5 years, the Papua New Guinea Parliament has passed a significant constitutional amendment, which imposes an 18-month grace period after a failed motion of no confidence (VONC) against the incumbent Prime Minister. The amendment was passed in yesterday's Parliament session, Thursday (13/3/2025), with a vote of 81-4, exceeding the two-thirds majority required for constitutional change.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape praised the decision as an important step towards fostering political and administrative stability, as quoted by jubi.id from the RNZ Pacific website, Friday (14/3/2025). The decision to amend this was also taken into consideration that 97% of its population is Christian.

With this amendment, the PNG Constitution now comes from God. The PNG Constitution is based on objective laws, values, and moral duties, and the idea that God is the source of objective laws, values, and moral duties, and, therefore, that God is the source of the PNG Constitution, thus the Bible will become the State Symbol.