Port Moresby: The Catholic Professionals Society has joined the Law Society of PNG in expressing concern on the escalating situation with the law and order in the country when rule of law now seems only a lip service.
This was revealed during a press conference held on January 22, 2024 at the Catholic Archdiocese of Port Moresby Chancery that had the President of the Catholic Professionals Society Mr Paul Harricknen as the speaker.
He said that as Church, we are concerned about the out of control and escalating law and order situation in our communities and nation.
“Where is the rule of law? Nobody cares anymore. Each person, family and community are forced to take care of themselves for their protection, defense and survival. The rule of law does not provide guarantee for protection without enforcement”
The President highlighted that the increasing violence is not only a direct attack on human lives but also an erosion of law and order in the country. He stressed that such lawlessness puts into question the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
“Indiscriminate killings have become regular and normalized, and that is why we are joining the Law Society of Papua New Guinea in voicing our concerns.”
Mr Harricknen highlighted that the increasing violence is not only a direct attack on human lives but also an erosion of law and order in the country. He stressed that such lawlessness puts into question the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the justice system.
Speaking on the Bishops’ Pastoral letter for 2025 titled “Pilgrims of Hope, journeying from darkness to light”, he said the pastoral letter was based on the Holy Father’s reflection on the Jubilee theme as an opportunity to start fresh with one’s relationship with God and other people.
The Church’s pastoral efforts for consolation and hope in the midst of the darkness of lawlessness is a tough call to calm the fear and anxiety in the prevailing chaos and disorder with the spiraling violence and killings.
“When the holy Father visited PNG in September 6-9, 2024, he prayed for PNG to end tribal fights, violence and killings and respect for human dignity and human lives.
His central message was for the love of God and for each other to replace violence, hatred, indifference and killings.”
As PNG counts down the months to celebrate its 50 years of independence anniversary, Mr Harricknen posed two critical questions: What do we celebrate for? Is it worth any celebration?
“We still harbor the memories of black Wednesday of 10 January 2024. The tribal killings in Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela, violence and killings in Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, recent savage killings in Goilala, Port Moresby, West Coast of Wewak seem an endless cycle”.
The Church’s pastoral efforts for consolation and hope in the midst of the darkness of lawlessness is a tough call to calm the fear and anxiety in the prevailing chaos and disorder with the spiraling violence and killings.
He concluded by saying that churches and the civil society can only do so much and encouraged everyone to pray and hope for good governance, justice and peace in our country and communities.
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