Sister Lorena, a 76-year-old Swiss Franciscan, has lived in Papua New Guinea since 1979 and actively protects women from witch hunts. After witnessing a witch burning in 2012, she intervened to save seven women from a mob intending to burn them. According to the podcast 'Echt. Unglaublich!', she established the 'House of Hope' to shelter abused women. The episode also features Miranda Forsyth from the Australian National University, who explains that accusations stem from fear and social conflict, similar to modern conspiracy theories. Sister Lorena remains committed to her mission despite ongoing dangers.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Sandip Roy on UnsplashPersecuted church
A Catholic priest and his assistant were beaten and kicked outside a dance in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, on Friday night. The incident was reported by the Post-Courier PNG. The article is titled 'ON THIS DAY IN OUR HISTORY: Two men bashed at Goroka dance'. Access to the full story requires a subscription to the Post-Courier's web packages. The outlet published this historical account of the violence against the religious figures in the Eastern Highlands region.
Brother Martin Tnines of the Melanesian Institute in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, has urged the national government to immediately publish, fund, and implement its revised Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence National Action Plan. This appeal follows a nationwide survey of 2,000 people conducted by the institute. The results indicate that 95% of respondents believe the government is failing to prevent such violence, while 99% demand immediate funding for the action plan. The survey highlights that hundreds are killed annually in sorcery accusations, with widespread community witness and calls for police intervention and survivor support. The government framework remains currently unpublished and unfunded.
The Australian High Commission has been honored by Wantok Radio Light for its sustained assistance to church media organizations in Papua New Guinea. The award recognizes years of dedicated support provided by Australia to these religious broadcasting entities. This acknowledgment highlights the ongoing partnership between the Australian government and local faith-based media groups within the country. The recognition underscores the importance of continued collaboration in strengthening communication networks through religious platforms in the region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Bob Brewer on UnsplashGood news
An intense El Niño-driven drought is affecting up to 8 million people in Papua New Guinea, prompting a coalition of churches and business groups to declare a national crisis. Rivers have dried up, causing food gardens to fail and forcing schools and health facilities to close early due to water shortages. In rural areas, families are rationing meals, while women face increased risks of harassment while fetching water. The government has directed authorities to prepare for a prolonged dry season, though critics argue there is no coordinated plan to protect vulnerable communities from the worsening impacts.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Bob Brewer on UnsplashGood news
Jason Peter, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, pledged K50,000 to rebuild the historic St Kilamu Parish in Labu-Butu. He officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new structure, which has served the community since 1952. Peter also donated K5,000 to Betany Lutheran Church in West Taraka for its thanksgiving celebration. The Huon Gulf District Development Authority previously supported that project with materials. Peter emphasized that churches provide essential spiritual guidance, family support, and community unity. The new buildings aim to serve current and future generations in both locations.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Masjid MABA on UnsplashGood news
Papua New Guinea National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has publicly commended the Iglesia Ni Cristo for its humanitarian efforts. The church's
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Bob Brewer on UnsplashGood news
The Papua New Guinea Council of Churches has introduced a National Strategy aimed at addressing sorcery accusation-related violence. The initiative focuses on practical implementation through individual denominations and local congregations across the country. This effort seeks to reduce violence stemming from such accusations by engaging church structures directly. The strategy represents a coordinated response to a persistent social issue in Papua New Guinea. By leveraging existing religious networks, the council hopes to foster community-level interventions and awareness. The move highlights the role of religious institutions in tackling complex societal challenges. This development marks a significant step in the national dialogue on safety and justice.
Archbishop Cardinal Sir John Ribat has publicly commended the staff of Catholic Church Health Services for their ongoing healthcare delivery in Papua New Guinea. The recognition specifically highlights the organization's efforts to serve populations in rural and remote areas across the country. This acknowledgment underscores the critical role the Catholic Church plays in providing medical assistance to underserved communities within the nation. The statement was reported by the Post-Courier, noting the Archbishop's appreciation for the continued work of the health services team.
A bishop from a district in Papua New Guinea recounted his unexpected call to missionary service. Appointed by Pope Francis, he traveled to the remote archipelago, where 95 percent of the territory is water. He described logistical challenges, including boat trips lasting up to three days to reach distant parishes. The bishop, formerly a school principal in Ethiopia, emphasized prayer and the importance of a church that goes out to people. He also shared his appointment as bishop by Pope Leo XIV and his dedication to serving the faithful in difficult conditions.
The Western Highlands Provincial Government has donated K200,000 to support the reconstruction of the Togoba Catholic Church. Located in the Tambul-Nebilyer District, the church was destroyed by fire in 2021. The initiative is led by Governor Wai Rapa, who aims to help the community complete the rebuilding process. This financial assistance marks a significant step toward restoring the religious site after the damage sustained several years ago. The donation highlights the provincial government's role in supporting local infrastructure recovery efforts in the region.
The Jiwaka Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC) has secured K3 million in seed capital to establish a new higher education institution in Papua New Guinea. This funding is designated for the creation of the Jiwaka EBC Institute of Higher Learning. The commitment marks a significant step in developing educational infrastructure within the Jiwaka region. The Post-Courier reported on this financial pledge, highlighting the church's initiative to expand academic opportunities. Specific details regarding the curriculum or opening date were not provided in the initial report.
Thousands of believers from across Papua New Guinea gathered at Momei Oval in Mendi for the 25th National Rally of the Revival Centres of Papua New Guinea (RCPNG). The event took place under cool skies in the Southern Highlands region. The Post-Courier reports that the gathering attracted attendees from various parts of the country. The rally serves as a significant annual meeting for the religious organization's members. Specific details regarding the schedule or speakers were not provided in the available text due to access restrictions on the original article.
Kwan Poh San, an 82-year-old Wycliffe Bible translator, received the Caleb Award at the 2026 Salt&Light Inspiration Awards in Singapore. She spent 20 years living in Papua New Guinea to translate the New Testament into the Mauwake language. The outlet reports that she traveled by various means, including trucks and horses, to verify translation progress. Her work included teaching literacy to locals. The Caleb Award honors seniors aged 65 and above for community service. Poh San began her mission work at age 13 and later served as a translation consultant for two decades.
Students and young leaders at the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment are participating in a three-day Christian crusade on the Vudal Campus. The event is organized by the TSCF group and aims to prepare participants for leadership roles through the study of biblical prophecy. This gathering takes place ahead of the organization's 51st anniversary. The Post-Courier reports that the initiative focuses on spiritual preparation for future leaders within the university community.
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