In a historic move, Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has voted to amend the Constitution, formally declaring the nation’s Christian identity while preserving the freedom to practice other faiths.
The amendment, passed with an overwhelming 80-4 vote, will see explicit references to Christianity incorporated into the Preamble of the Constitution.
The new wording acknowledges “God, the Father; Jesus Christ, the Son; and Holy Spirit, as our Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our powers and authorities.”
Additionally, Christianity will be reflected as part of the Fifth Goal in the Preamble, Section 1 will affirm the nation’s Christian identity, and the Bible will be officially recognized as a national symbol under Section 3 of the Constitution.
A Long-Awaited Recognition
This constitutional amendment follows years of public consultation, led by the PNG Constitutional Law Reform Commission in 2022, where communities, churches, provincial leaders, and civil society groups overwhelmingly supported the declaration of PNG as a Christian country.
Prime Minister, James Marape, a strong advocate of the amendment, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome.
“I am happy. This constitutional amendment finally recognizes our country as a Christian nation. This reflects, in the highest form, the role Christian churches have played in our development as a country,” he said.
PM Marape emphasized the crucial role churches have played in unifying PNG’s diverse population, consisting of hundreds of distinct languages and cultures.
“Christian churches have anchored our country’s unity and togetherness. They preceded the government in many areas, providing essential services where the government was absent. Missionaries arrived here over 150 years ago and continue to serve our people today,” he added.
Freedom of Religion Remains Protected
Prime Minister Marape clarified that the amendment does not infringe on religious freedom. Section 45 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, remains unchanged.
“This is not an operational law but an addition to the Preamble, placing God in His rightful place,” he explained.”Christian theology recognizes God as the Creator of the universe, the world, and our country. Through this, we acknowledge God as the Creator of our resources and the giver of life.”
Next Steps
With the final parliamentary approval secured, the amendment will now proceed through the formal legal processes before being enacted into law.
The decision marks a significant milestone in PNG’s national identity, solidifying its Christian heritage while maintaining its constitutional commitment to religious freedom.