By Bradley Mariori
Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Head Bishop, Rev. Dr. Jack Urame, said Easter is a very special time in the history of the Christian Church, reminding people of Christ’s suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension.
In his Easter message, Rev. Urame said the significance of Easter remains relevant today, highlighting what Christ did to restore humanity’s relationship with God and bring peace to the world.
“This Easter is a very special time as human aggression in the form of violence and war continues to inflict suffering on humanity and deprive them of peace, dignity, freedom, and rights,” he said.
He noted that thousands of people globally are dying, families are torn apart, and communities disrupted due to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Millions are seeking survival necessities such as peace, safety, food, water, medicine, and shelter. “This Easter is a time to hold them in our prayers and ask for God’s peace, protection, and strength upon them.”
Locally, Rev. Urame said Papua New Guinea faces challenges such as domestic, family, and sexual violence, as well as ethnic conflicts, which rob people of dignity, freedom, and security. He stressed that these issues challenge the nation as it reflects on Easter’s message of peace, reconciliation, love, and unity.
He urged people to remember those affected by recent evictions in the capital, who are displaced and unable to fully celebrate Easter. “Their families are broken, children miss school, and homes and properties are lost,” he said.
Rev. Urame expressed sorrow over the government’s role, which he said displaces people under the Vagrancy Act instead of finding better solutions. He called for prayers for all affected, saying, “In the midst of shadow, chaos, and difficulties, may they find comfort and strength in God’s love and peace.”
“It is difficult to end my message with Happy Easter, but I say, God be with you all and grant you peace.”
