Churches independence vital, and intact

Caption: (L) Bishop Ramsden and Pastor Managos on the panel.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 31, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THOSE were the comments from various church leaders on the Tanim Graun Q&A (Question and Answer) program held last week at the Paradise Cinema complex at the Vision City mall in Port Moresby.

Issues were raised in regards to the independence of the church in light of more support and funding being put into the work of the churches in areas of education and health services.

Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church leader Pastor Blasius Managos dispelled those fears by referring to the principles that churches in the country are built upon, adding that the assistance of the state was welcomed, however, would not compromise the independence of churches. 

“All churches are established for a purpose with their own unique vision and mission statements to why they have been established for,” Ps Managos said.

“The churches are here to provide service delivery- their primary call is to share the gospel, but in terms of partnership- it is something the church would like to get into, because when we are able to partner together we bring in more vital services to the people.”

“I’m sure that in this arrangement I don’t think we can fear losing our independence in regards to what we stand for in regards to Christian churches.”

He said that churches are unified in their approach to serving the people despite various differences within the various groups.

“We are here to provide services despite the fact that we have different reasons as to why we are established as a church,” Ps Managos added.

“We look forward to these partnerships and it is the way forward- everywhere around the place there is a call for partnership.”

“There is a saying that no man is an island- you have to partner with someone in regards to what you want to do.”  

Anglican Bishop Peter Ramsden emphasized the importance of the churches independence being vital to maintain its standing amongst the people.

“Partnership is vital, but the church has to independent from government because if you look back into the Old Testament period- the prophets had a message about honesty and integrity with the word from God to the government of the day,” Bishop Ramsden said.

“The church must not be afraid to criticize the government and it must be able to put those standards in a reminder of what is the right thing to do in terms of a moral basis for society.”

I think the church has that role to play, just as other independent areas alike like the Press- these things need to be protected so that those who are responsible are kept in line.”