FEBRUARY 24 2022
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed passage of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea Bill 2022 by Parliament on Thursday (February 24 2022).
The bill provides for establishment of a private Lutheran university in Lae similar to the Catholic-owned Divine Word University in Madang and the Seventh Day Adventist Church-owned Pacific Adventist University outside Port Moresby; and for a very clear and transparent administrative process.
PM Marape also welcomed passage of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) (Amendment) Act 2020 by Parliament, which provides for better clarity for the operation and management of the ELCPNG, and for related purposes.
Both bills were introduced as Private Member’s Bill (s) by Tewai-Siassi MP Hon. Dr Kobby Bomareo.
PM Marape said he had promised the ELCPNG 2020 Synod in Boana, Morobe, that he would support establishment of the Lutheran university and was fulfilling that.
The Prime Minister reiterated his support at the recent ELCPNG 2022 Synod in Port Moresby and has given K5 million to kickstart the project.
“My Government fully supports establishment of the Lutheran University in Lae, something that is long overdue,” he said.
“The Lutheran Church is the second-biggest church in the country, however, does not yet have its own university.
“I pledged my support and that of Pangu Pati at the 2020 Synod in Boana and the 2022 Synod in Port Moresby and it is now becoming a reality.
“By 2025, when the nation celebrates 50 years of Independence, our Lutheran University can lift its flag up and fly, and take students in by that time.”
PM Marape said the idea of a Lutheran university was first mooted about 20 years ago, however, has had critical issues along the way until the bill was passed today.
He said the Lutheran university, once established, would be an establishment that both Lutherans and Papua New Guineans could be proud of as it would help to absorb the growing number of Grade 12 school leavers.
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