Escalating Violence Against Women Denounced by Adventist Leader in Papua New Guinea
24 March 2019 | The leader of the Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea has called for an end to increasing violence against women and children in the country.
“Actions or threats likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering are incompatible with biblical ethics and Christian morality,” said Pastor Kepsie Elodo, according to an article on news website Loop.
“Such actions include but are not limited to family violence, rape, female genital mutilation, honor killings and dowry murders, manipulation, denial of personal liberty and coercion.…”
Elodo said that the Adventist Church was saying “Let’s end it now” to all such abuse.
“The love and compassion that characterized the earthly life of Jesus sets an example for all His followers in their relationships with others. Christ-like behavior leaves no room for violence against family members or persons outside the family,” said the leader.
Elodo added that Adventists have committed themselves to being leaders in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence.
According to the denomination’s Office of Archives, Statistics and Research, there were 1,052 Adventist churches and a membership of 319,502 in Papua New Guinea as of June 30, 2018.
