Pastoral Approach to Sorcery Accusation Related Violence

Megiar, Madang: The Archbishop of Madang, His Grace most Reverend Anton Bal gave a presentation on the Pastoral Approach to Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) on Thursday 3 July, 2025. The presentation was delivered during a Catechists Retreat at Megiar Pastoral Centre attended by 74 Catechists from 22 parishes in the Madang Archdiocese.

His Grace Archbishop Anton Bal giving his presentation.

Beginning his presentation, His Grace described the phenomenon or reality of sorcery or witchcraft as a belief that a person has the power to put a spell on another person, resulting in harm, illness or death. Death, he said, is caused by; health related illness, psychological illness, socio-economic pressures, accidents and natural disasters. However, when a young or prominent person / someone with status in the community dies, sorcery related accusations begin. These accusations are most often instigated by persons with unresolved agendas who take advantage of the wake (hauskrai) of the deceased. The accusations if not controlled, lead to violence and destruction.

To avoid violence or even the start of a sorcery related accusation, His Grace shared the following points;

·      A church leader physically present during the entire wake period with devotional programs brings the presence of Jesus to the wake and ultimately blocks any evil plan.

·      Showing support with material things prevents perpetrators from taking control through the use of material items as bribe.

·      The immediate family of the deceased must stand firm and not allow talk of witchcraft during the wake.

·      Requesting a medical or police report as evidence to the cause of death prevents sorcery related accusations.

In situations where violence has already erupted, His Grace encouraged the following approach;

·       Intervene quickly and move the victims to a safe house

·       Hand over the perpetrators to the police.

·       Work with the community to prevent further violence.

·       Work with Law Enforcement officers, Community and Church leaders to restore peace through mediation between the families of the perpetrator and the victim.

Under the topic "Bible, satan & evil", His Grace drew the distinction between the existence of good and evil, Jesus and satan. He shared scriptures found in the Gospels of Luke and Mark demonstrating the power and authority that Jesus had over demons and illnesses that had affected the people. Similarly, as Christians we are empowered to pray with conviction as commanded by Jesus in Mark 11:24.

He further emphasized that God created humankind. God alone is Lord over life and death, therefore we must respect life.

His Grace summarised the 5 Sorcery Accusation related violence Prevention Steps as;

1.     Know the cause of the death through medical/police reports

2.     Be quick to respond to prevent violence

3.     Support immediate family of the deceased

4.     Work in partnership with Churches, community leaders and Law and Order groups

5.     Enforce what the Bible teaches through words and actions.

He challenged the Catechists to work in unity and without fear to address SARV issues in their respective communities.

His Grace Most Reverend Anton Bal has been a strong advocate against SARV since 1982 when he was a Seminarian. Over the years, he has been instrumental in facilitating informative rallies and workshops in the Highlands region, educating and driving change in the communities. He has assisted tribal groups form associations as well as papa groups consisting of a network of male advocates who selflessly intervene to stop violence. In the Madang Archdiocese, he has organised advocacy training workshops for diocesan priests and community leaders facilitated by The Melanesian Institute.