Anglican support for Papua

THE Diocese of Polynesia has lent its support to calls for an end to human rights abuse in Papua.

Archbishop Fereti Cama – head of the Anglican community in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga – said the church was deeply concerned about the escalating abuse.

He made the comment after a presentation by the Pacific Conference of Churches to the Diocese of Polynesia’s standing committee in Suva last week.

Members of the committee represented the church in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Archbishop Cama said the Anglican Communion would speak out against violence and mistreatment of people despite ethnic and religious differences.

“This is our role as a people of God, to speak for hose who cannot speak,” he said.

The Diocese of Polynesia also committed to taking Part in Freedom Sunday on December 14 to remember and pray for all communities which face oppression or fight for democracy.

“We will instruct all Anglican churches to ensure that prayers for freedom are offered from the pulpit on this special day,” Archbishop Cama said.

PCC General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, thanked the Diocese of Polynesia for its commitment and support.