Port Moresby, 22 March 2025 — Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has passed a motion declaring the country a “Christian Nation,” with 81 MPs voting in favor. The declaration marks a symbolic affirmation of the nation’s Christian heritage, but many observers and community leaders are urging lawmakers to back their vote with concrete actions that address the pressing social challenges facing the country.
The motion, which passed amid significant public attention, reflects PNG’s deep religious roots—over 95% of the population identify as Christian. However, critics say the declaration risks being merely symbolic unless it is accompanied by meaningful policy changes that embody Christian principles such as compassion, justice, and stewardship.
Calls for Concrete Measures
Civil society groups, faith leaders, and social advocates have highlighted several urgent areas where Christian values should translate into government action:
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Ending Misuse of Constituency Funds: The widely criticized District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP), which provide MPs with discretionary funding, have been linked to corruption and misuse. Advocates call for abolishing or reforming these funds to align governance with principles of accountability and integrity.
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Increased Investment in Law and Order: With domestic violence and gender-based violence remaining rampant—studies report a woman suffers violence every 30 seconds in PNG—there is an urgent need for at least K1 billion annually dedicated to law enforcement and victim support services to protect vulnerable communities.
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Boosting Health Sector Funding: Maternal mortality rates remain high, and shortages of essential medicines and emergency services continue to plague hospitals. Experts urge the government to allocate K3 billion per year to improve healthcare infrastructure and supplies.
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Education System Reform: PNG’s education system is in crisis, contributing to youth unemployment and social unrest. Calls for comprehensive funding and reform emphasize the role of education in nurturing future generations grounded in ethical and Christian values.
Skepticism Among the Public
The timing of the motion has drawn scrutiny, especially considering that a similar bill was rejected last year amid political turmoil. Some question whether the declaration stems from genuine faith or political expediency.
Observers note that many MPs identify as Christian largely by cultural inheritance, rather than active conviction. Without concrete policy follow-through, the declaration risks being viewed as a political gesture rather than a moral commitment.
Government Response
Parliamentary leaders have acknowledged the concerns and pledged to prioritize aligning government programs with the nation’s Christian identity. They emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and service delivery that benefits all citizens.
Prime Minister James Marape, speaking recently, stated: “Being a Christian nation is not just about words or votes in Parliament; it’s about how we care for our people—through justice, health, education, and peace.”
Looking Ahead
As PNG embarks on its 50th year of independence, the challenge remains for its leaders to ensure that the Christian nation declaration leads to substantive improvements in the lives of all Papua New Guineans. The nation’s future depends on translating faith into effective governance and tangible progress.