Four vie for ELC-PNG bishop post

By Poreni Umau

By this afternoon, there will be a new head bishop for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG).

The 1.5 million Lutherans throughout the country will find out after elections kick off after lunch today (Thursday, PNG Time). While there is much anticipation for the next bishop, only 350 people representing their districts will be eligible to vote.

The heat is on for the four candidates including director of Kristen Press in Madang, Rev Kasek Kautil from Karkar district, Rev Dr Numuc Zirajukic Kemung a lecturer at the Martin Luther seminary from Kote district.

The other two candidates are current principal of Kundiawa Lutheran Day School Rev Tom Sine from Chimbu district and principal of the Martin Luther Seminary Rev Giegere Wenge from Boana district. Delegates of the Synod challenged the candidates and asked why they should lead the Lutherans. They were each given five minutes to answer.
Who is next? From left Rev Kautil, Rev Giegere Wenge, Rev Dr Kemung and Rev Tom Sine vying for the post of head bishop

Rev Kautil told the Synod that he had the chance to meet the late head bishop Dr Wesley Kigasung and shared his vision to strengthen the spread of the Good News with the congregation.

Rev Sine said he was a product of the seed of good news planted by missionaries from Kote, Yabem and Madang districts who visited his village over 75 years ago. A third generation Lutheran and second generation pastor, he said he was contesting against his teachers. He said he is like King David looking after the sheep in the wild and was called to serve and that it was about time pastors were recognised and if it was God’s calling, he was only there to obey it.

Dr Kemung said that he was happy with the journey he had travelled while serving the church. “I would start my day with a prayer in the morning before everyone come in to work and go out to the compounds to work with the people because that is where I live,” he said.

He said God’s word was priority and the church constitution was second and he would make sure it was observed. He said he had no intention to contest the top post but he was approached by two children on his way home one Sunday after a service when they suggested he try it. He said because of such proposal by the two children, he would serve the children of God, his fellow Lutherans in the top post.

Meanwhile, Reverend Giegere Wenge said that he would give the good news priority to strengthen the work of pastors and evangelists and support training of pastors. He said he would give women equal rights and encourage unity within the church and its partners.