Papua New Guinea

Capital: Port Moresby

Major Languages: English, Tok Pisin, Motu

Area: 462,840 km2

Population: 9.2 million

HDI Rank: 155 of 189

Major Religion:

Protestant: 6 million (64.3)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 2.5 million (27%)

Other: 0.8 million (8.7%)

General Information:

Papua New Guinea were settled by Melanesians. Sighted by the Portuguese in 1511, it was claimed by Spain in 1527. Germany and Great Britain divided the islands between themselves in 1884. Australia took control in the 1900s. Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975. The majority of the population lives in rural areas, and most live in strong traditional social groups. The nation is home to the only poisonous birds, and tree kangaroos. It’s one of the world’s finest scuba diving locations, and a world-class birding destination. Most popular sport is rugby.

Religious Background:

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion. The majority of Papua New Guinea’s people are nominally Christian. Many Christian denominations and non-Christian groups preach freely in the country. Even immigrants and non-citizens are free to promote and practice their religion. Much of the population also maintains traditional religious beliefs, and rituals of magic, spells, and sorcery are still widely practiced. Mediums and religious practitioners play an important role in the society and are called upon by people to deal with various issues.

Catholic background:

The first Catholic missions were established in 1848. They closed in 1855 without having made any converts. The first successful missions were established by French missionaries in 1882. German missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word founded missions from the 1890s. There was rapid growth thereafter, and in 1915 the church established its headquarters in Port Moresby. The majority of church clerics and workers are Papua New Guineans. The Church is composed of 4 archdioceses, 19 dioceses and 305 parishes. Patron saint: Michael the Archangel.

Prayer Points

1. Papua New Guineans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 2.5 million Catholics in Papua New Guinea.
Catholicism is mixed with local indigenous religious practices and traditions. Pray that Catholics would know Christ, and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Pray for the Spirit of God to set people free from slavery and sin and lead them to salvation in Christ Jesus.
Ask God to turn Catholics away from human traditions and false religious practices, and toward Christ alone for their salvation.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 305 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 513 priests, 672 brothers and 861 sisters.
Pray for the Catholics who are involved in idolatry, and indigenous beliefs to be set free by believing the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The last several decades have witnessed great success in missions. Almost every person in the country has been reached with the gospel. Pray that the Evangelical presence will continue to grow, and the new believers will be effectively discipled. Pray for an increase in faith for believers witnessing to those lost. Pray that they will be loving as they seek to witness to the unbelievers with God’s power and wisdom.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Witchcraft, spiritism, violence, human trafficking, corruption and violent crimes are widespread. HIV infections spread is on the increase. Pray for stability, healing and peace to reign in the country by God’s mighty power, as people turn to Him.

5. Other Religions

Jehovah’s Witness, Mormonism, Church of Christ, the Baha’i faith and Islam are all part of the religious fabric of Papua New Guinea. Ask God to reveal Christ to them in meaningful ways, so that they would know Christ.