St. Louis, Missouri | Saturday, 5 July 2025 —
Papua New Guinea received special recognition on the global stage as Prime Minister Hon. James Marape addressed the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) in St. Louis, Missouri.
Speaking before more than 6,000 delegates and international visitors, Prime Minister Marape expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea for the strong partnership between faith-based organisations and national development.
“Papua New Guinea is a country where 100 percent of the population knows the Seventh-day Adventist Church exists,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our faith is strong, and our unity is even stronger when rooted in Christian values.”
PNG for Christ 2024: A Spiritual Movement of Unity
The Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable impact of “PNG for Christ 2024”, a nationwide outreach campaign coordinated by the Papua New Guinea Union Mission in collaboration with the global SDA Church.
“With over 836 languages spoken by 11 million people, we are united in faith,” Marape said.
“PNG for Christ 2024 reached over 500,000 people directly, and more than one million expressed interest. It was a monumental spiritual success.”
He thanked the General Conference leadership, South Pacific Division, and PNG church administrators for their commitment to spiritual revival and national outreach.
Faith and Governance: Working Together for the People
The Prime Minister emphasized that religious freedom and faith-based partnerships play a central role in PNG’s nation-building efforts.
“We deeply appreciate your prayers, your support, and your love,” he said.
“Papua New Guinea remains a country where faith and government work hand-in-hand to uplift our people.”
His presence at the session reflects the Government’s commitment to Christian values, interdenominational unity, and community empowerment through faith.
Global Spotlight on Papua New Guinea
Following his address, Prime Minister Marape remarked that PNG had become a highlight of the conference, receiving unprecedented attention from the international SDA community.
“This is a one-week event, but Papua New Guinea was the highlight from the very first day,” he said.
“The global SDA Church, with 23 million members across 235 countries, featured PNG from the opening session—watched by thousands in-person and millions more via satellite broadcast.”
He said the exposure placed PNG on the world map not just spiritually, but also nationally.
“Through this global platform, the world saw that PNG is a Christian nation. The success of PNG for Christ was acknowledged globally. This is something we will always remember.”
A Message of Unity Through Faith
Prime Minister Marape, who regularly attends major events hosted by various Christian denominations, said that faith remains one of the most powerful unifying forces in Papua New Guinea.
“Despite our cultural and linguistic diversity, we are bound by common values of love, forgiveness, kindness, and service,” he noted.
“These values are vital in shaping our society into a more caring and united nation.”
He concluded by thanking the global SDA leadership for showcasing Papua New Guinea and giving its people a voice on the world stage.
“This recognition was more than symbolic—it was deeply meaningful. We thank the SDA Church for honouring our country in this way.”
About the SDA General Conference Session
Held every five years, the General Conference Session is the highest decision-making body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The 62nd session in St. Louis, Missouri, brought together thousands of delegates and leaders from more than 200 countries and territories.