The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea launched its 50th Anniversary awareness campaign during a short program held at Ampo Chapel on Friday, 12 June 2026.
Attended by staff from the offices at Ampo, the program marked the beginning of wider awareness toward the ELCPNG 50th Anniversary celebrations to be held from 10–12 July 2026. Head Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Jack Urame officially launched the anniversary awareness banner as a visible reminder of the church’s journey from mission to church, and of the responsibility that comes with the Declaration of Autonomy.
The awareness campaign is intended to help members, congregations and districts understand why ELCPNG is celebrating 50 years, and how this anniversary connects with the longer 140-year journey of Lutheran mission in Papua New Guinea. Lutheran mission work began in 1886 with the arrival of Rev. Johannes Flierl at Simbang, Finschhafen, and later grew through mission fields supported by Lutheran mission agencies from Germany, Australia and America.
In 1956, seventy years after the arrival of the first missionary, earlier mission efforts came together and helped facilitate the first Synod of what would become the local indigenous church. It was at this Synod, held at Simbang, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Guinea, or ELCONG, was established.
ELCONG was established before Papua New Guinea became an independent nation, when the country was still under two separate colonial territories. It became the local church of the New Guinea territory.
Twenty years later, in 1976, one year after Papua New Guinea gained political independence, the church declared its autonomy and took on the name Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea. The unveiling of the monument at Ampo marked this transition from ELCONG to ELCPNG and expressed the church’s identity as a national church in an independent Papua New Guinea.
In his message, the Head Bishop reflected on this historic journey, recalling the wisdom of the late Sir Zurewe Zurenuoc, the first indigenous Bishop, and other leaders who saw the need for the church to become autonomous in the 1970s.
The Head Bishop said the Declaration of Autonomy was significant for two reasons. First, Papua New Guinea had gained political independence in 1975, and the church also needed to take its place as a national church within the new independent nation. Second, mission work had been led by overseas missions since 1886, but local leadership had grown through ELCONG from 1956 onward. By 1976, it was time for the local church to carry responsibility for its own mission, leadership and administration.
He said the Declaration of Autonomy was more than a change of name. It placed responsibility for the life and future of the church into the hands of the local church itself — its members, congregations, pastors, districts, institutions and indigenous leaders.
The Head Bishop reminded the church that autonomy is not only a historic achievement to celebrate, but also an ongoing responsibility to sustain mission, strengthen leadership, build sound governance and administration, and develop a stronger financial base for the future.
As ELCPNG prepares to celebrate 50 years since the Declaration of Autonomy, he encouraged every church member to reflect on how they can help carry the church forward into the next 50 years, especially for the children and young people who need a strong, welcoming and purposeful church.
Ps. Hans Giegere, Head of the Evangelism Department, shared the Word of God, reflecting on the passion and sacrifice of early Lutheran evangelists who were willing to give their lives for mission work. He gave the example of the Kote liturgy used to send evangelists into mission fields with deep commitment, even without the expectation of returning home.
He said the church grows when it moves, and for the church to move, people must be willing to go and spread the Gospel. However, he also reminded the church that those who are sent must be supported.
July 12 has a long mission-giving significance in ELCPNG dating back to 1956 when it was first recognised at the first Synod. The closest Sunday to July 12 has traditionally been marked in the ELCPNG Sios Kalenda as a time for mission giving, when parishes and congregations throughout the church send their offerings to support the continuity of mission work. This is the only Sunday each year when offerings are given specifically for mission work. In recent years, this giving has been strengthened through national July 12 celebrations and fundraising activities, with the offerings directed toward mission fields, pastors’ support, church buildings and other practical mission needs.
Ps. Hans acknowledged that ELCPNG members have already been giving through the July 12 ELCPNG Day offerings to support mission work. These offerings have supported mission areas and practical needs, including transport, pastors’ houses, church buildings and other mission work in remote parts of the country. He said more support is still needed if the church is to continue sending people and strengthening mission fields.
Reflecting on how overseas Christians once supported mission work in Papua New Guinea through their giving, Ps. Hans reminded the church that, as an autonomous church, ELCPNG must continue to strengthen its own commitment to give, send, and support mission.
With the wisdom of the forefathers of the church, one Sunday closest to July 12 each year was set aside for this very purpose: to show our commitment to taking responsibility for supporting mission ourselves as an autonomous church, no longer depending on overseas missions.
In his closing remarks, Church Secretary Mr. Bernard Kaisom explained that the awareness materials are intended to reach parishes and congregations throughout ELCPNG. An information pack has been prepared containing historical explanations on why ELCPNG is celebrating 50 years, the meaning of the Declaration of Autonomy, July 12 Missions activities, reports of previous giving, liturgies for upcoming events, and deposit information for mission contributions.
The launch was also timely, as it took place before the first National Church meeting for 2026, scheduled for 15–19 June 2026. Leaders from the 17 ELCPNG districts will be at Ampo and are expected to take the information pack back to their districts for wider awareness.
Mr. Kaisom also announced the upcoming fundraising dinner events in Port Moresby and Lae on 11 July 2026 and encouraged members and supporters to continue supporting mission. He said all proceeds from the fundraising events and offerings on ELCPNG Day will go toward supporting mission work. A report on funds raised and mission work carried out was also included in the information pack.
He also announced the celebration event at Eriku Oval in Lae. Similar events are expected in Madang and Port Moresby from 10–12 July 2026, with other centres also expected to organise combined worship events.
The awareness campaign will help prepare the church to understand the importance of what is being celebrated from 10–12 July 2026, while calling members to remember the journey from mission to church and take responsibility for carrying the Gospel into the next 50 years.
The anniversary theme is: “Liberated by Christ. Stand Firm. Be Fruitful” — based on Galatians 5:1 and John 15:16.
-end-
Download Information Pack Documents
- Information Sheet on ELCPNG Jubilee
https://elcpng.org.pg/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELCPNG_Golden_Jubilee_Information_Sheet.pdf - ELCPNG50 – Bishop’s Message
https://elcpng.org.pg/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELCPNG_50_Declaration_of_Autonomy_Bishops-Message.pdf - July 12 – Giving Newsletter
https://elcpng.org.pg/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/July-12-Newsletter-2025.pdf - July 12 – Ofa Riport
https://elcpng.org.pg/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELCPNG-DAY-OFA-RIPOT.pdf
