CHURCHES and the state must work together to address the many social issues affecting young people in the society.
And the presence of the churches at the community level is important to support the youth population to make the right decisions in their lives.
This was highlighted by the Western Provincial Premier Billy Veo last Wednesday whilst officiating at the dedication of Gizo GF Jones Memorial Church in Gizo.
“From a government standpoint, churches are a very important stakeholder. They are very important because they represent the subjects whom the government governs.
“They represent the various communal social groupings making up a society. It is therefore extremely important that the government maintains a cordial working relationships with all churches,” Premier Veo said.
He added that in the current era lots of changes have occurred in communities.
“It appears that as a society we are slowly degenerating.
“We see that village chiefs, elders and seniors are no longer respected. When parents talk, children just don’t listen, when church leaders give instructions, no one listens. Most churches are no longer filled like they used to be.
“As responsible stakeholders, community leaders, church leaders, parents and guardians and government, what are we going to do to address this situation?” Premier Veo questioned.
Premier Veo added, “mind you we have a very big population and they are one of the mist vulnerable in our society. They are a timebomb ready to explode in our faces if we do not act.
“Most of the social problems and issues we face now are mostly blamed on youths.
“The point that I am raising here is, I would like to have more interactions with churches.
“I want the government to work with churches, share ideas, views and maybe come up with the policy direction that will address many of the social issues we are facing.
“As stakeholders, we cannot expect the government to provide the answer to all our problems. We need constructive and meaningful partnerships within an environment where we actively engage with each other.
“I am calling on all churches, I am pleading with all churches that we need to do more. We need to engage more with our young people. We need to be the churches as I referred to in my opening remarks,” he underscored.
Premier Veo then congratulated the congregation of GF Jones for the successful completion of their church building.
The church’s distinctive architectural features and design were on full display, showcasing the hard work put in by the congregation members and supporters who gave their time, effort and resources towards the worthy cause.
The inauguration ceremony featured performances by the church choir and a reflection on the pioneers of the members who supported the church over the years.
It was a momentous occasion that radiated joy and spiritual significance amongst the Adventist community in Gizo.
The grand opening ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying the achievement of the work done to complete the church in 27 years.
“Today is a rather special occasion for me as the Premier of Western Province. Today marks the first ever church dedication event that I will be officiating as a premier.”
He thanked the church organising committee for inviting him to witness a milestone achievement.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
