No Boundaries: Let there be Religious Freedom

‘CBC PNGSI General Secretary Stands Firm on Religious Freedom’

Port Moresby: The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI) held a press conference on March 25, 2025 to address the recent bill passed in Parliament seeking to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian country by law. CBCPNGSI strongly opposes this move, standing on the principle that religion is a choice that must be made freely.

CBC PNGSI General Secretary Reverend Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj

The panel of speakers at the press conference included Mr. Paul Harricknen, President of Catholic Professionals’ Society (CPS), His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBC PNGSI, and Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBC PNGSI.

The conference commenced with an address by CPS President, Mr. Paul Harricknen, who provided a brief background on the bill and outlined concerns regarding its implications. He then handed over the floor to His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy.

Bishop Separy elaborated on the potential consequences of the bill if passed into law, emphasizing the risk of social unrest and conflict. He highlighted the need to consider the broader impacts of such legislation, particularly in a diverse and multi-religious society like Papua New Guinea.

Concluding the press conference, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI, pin-points several critical points that have been overlooked by Political Leaders.

But before doing so, he began by acknowledging and thanking the forefathers of the nation, stating; “For 50 years, our forefathers had a broad mindset and vision to respect everyone. If they had wanted to declare PNG a Christian country, they would have done so. The fact that they did not means they had a better and more inclusive vision.”

Fr. Lawrence further explained that passing a bill to declare PNG a Christian state would transform the country into an inclusive entity, potentially leaving out certain groups.

“If the Government says we are a Christian state, we will respect that. But if you make the country a Christian country by law, you are making it exclusive and telling others that they are outsiders,” he remarked.

He then shifted the discussion to more pressing issues that require the Government’s urgent attention.

“There are far greater concerns that the leaders of this nation should be focusing on. The Government has a mandatory role to look after the people, while the Church will take care of faith and moral life…we complement and respect each other,” Fr. Lawrence stated.

Among the critical challenges he identified were security concerns, inadequate infrastructure, and the dire state of the education system.

“We have serious security issues. We have classrooms without classrooms…students are studying under trees. These are the real issues the Government should prioritize.”

In closing, Fr. Lawrence emphasized the importance of national unity, urging leaders to maintain inclusivity and respect for the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.

“We have a great nation; we have a multi-culture; we have so much language so we need to respect. When we make a boundary, then people are left out”.

He concluded with a strong call for collaboration between the Church and the Government, stating; “I think the Church and the Government should focus on doing their respective work better.”

Other than that, the CBCPNGSI remains firm in its stand that faith should be a personal decision, and any move to legislate religious identity must be carefully reconsidered to uphold the nation’s principles of inclusivity and respect for all.