Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged all Papua New Guineans to use National Repentance Day on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, as a time of reflection, forgiveness, renewal, and a reset of true Christian character before God and each other, especially as the country prepares to mark its 50th Independence Anniversary next month.

Prime Minister Marape reminded citizens that since 1975, Papua New Guinea has always declared its identity as a Christian nation, recognising the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Almighty Creator.

“Our forefathers placed this nation under the guidance of God when they raised the flag on Independence Hill in 1975,” he said.

“As a Christian people, we are accountable to God in the way we live, in the way we govern, and in the way we treat each other. Repentance Day is therefore not just a public holiday, but a sacred day for us to humble ourselves, to say sorry for our wrongs, and to commit ourselves to a new way of living.”

A Day of National Reflection

Repentance Day was first declared in 2008 by the Founding Father, Sir Michael Somare. Prime Minister Marape, then a minister, was present to witness its inauguration.

“This day compels us to pause and reflect — to acknowledge where we have fallen short in our personal lives, in our communities, and as a country,” he said.

“We must say sorry to God and to one another, and make a conscious pledge not to deliberately repeat the same mistakes. That is the true meaning of repentance — not just words, but a change of heart, a change of attitude, and a change of conduct.”

The Commandments as Our Guide

The Prime Minister highlighted that the 10 Commandments, given by God as the moral foundation for humanity, provide a clear guide for the nation’s renewal.

“The first four commandments remind us to love and honour God above all else. The remaining six guide us to live rightly with our fellow human beings. If we hold to these simple truths, we will eliminate corruption, violence, and lawlessness from our homes, communities, and country,” he said.

“The easiest yet most powerful contribution each of us can make to Papua New Guinea is to live with respect — respect for God, respect for our fellow man, and respect for our nation’s laws.”

Repentance Before PNG Turns 50

With the nation’s golden jubilee only three weeks away, Prime Minister Marape said this year’s Repentance Day carries even greater significance.

“In just three weeks, Papua New Guinea will turn 50. We must ask ourselves: What have we done with the gift of independence entrusted to us by our forefathers? Have we honoured God? Have we honoured one another?”

He added: “As we prepare to celebrate 50 years of independence on 16 September 2025, let us use this Repentance Day to say sorry for the wrongs of the last 49 years, to forgive each other, and to make a firm resolution to enter the next 50 years with clean hearts and renewed minds.”

He further reflected: “The Scripture in Leviticus 25:8–10 speaks of a national reset after 49 years, a time of restoration and renewal. As we now step into our 50th year, let us follow this divine instruction — to reflect deeply, renew our characters, and commit ourselves to a fresh beginning for Papua New Guinea.”

A Call to Unity and Renewal

The Prime Minister concluded with a strong call for unity, forgiveness, and the renewal of national character:

“If every citizen of this nation honours God and respects their neighbour, there will be no corruption, no gender-based violence, no tribal fighting, no abuse of law, and no destruction of property. Instead, there will be peace, unity, prosperity, and the blessing of God over our country.

“I urge all Papua New Guineans — leaders and citizens alike — to take this Repentance Day seriously. Let us reflect, forgive, and recommit ourselves to God, to each other, and to our nation.”