Church Leaders call for West Papua’s Independence

The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) is calling for the independence of West Papua and her people from Indonesia.

In a statement that was endorsed by the church leaders at their recent meeting in Samoa, they declared that, “beginning in 2012, we will celebrate a day of freedom in support of our brothers and sisters in Maohi Nui, Bougainville, New Caledonia, West Papua and peoples who yearn to be free. We call on the Secretariat of the PCC to designate such a day.”

PCC’s Acting General Secretary Reverend Francois Pihaatae said this designated day will be discussed in details during the staff planning retreat in early January of next year.

“The Pacific Conference of Churches is committed to the decolonisation of the Pacific region. We stand beside people under colonial rule and walk with them in their journey towards a future of their own choosing. It is unacceptable that in this day and age we continue to accept the existence of colonies in the Pacific region,” Rev. Francois said.

Rev. Francois is calling on church members in the Pacific to join hands and pray about the situation in West Papua.

“Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we believe that true worship is about true commitment for the good of others. Let’s walk with the people of West Papua through our prayers and ask God to provide them with comfort and protection in this very difficult time they are facing.”.

For more information please contact Communications Officer, Ms Losana McGowan, Phone: +679 3311 277, Mobile: +679 9068118, Email: mcgowan@pcc.org.fj


SOURCE: PCC/PACNEWS