The Bishop Newton School of Theology

Support the Bishop Newton School of Theology in Papua New Guinea to train their students for theologically-informed futures, including being ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church.

Things are certainly on the move at Newton College in Papua New Guinea. As well as now having students enrolled in a new advanced diploma in theology, other students are undertaking a new certificate in theology. The certificate is designed for people who do not intend to offer themselves for the Church’s ordained ministry but who want to gain an understanding of theology to be able to work as a religious studies teacher or in one of the Anglican Church of PNG’s departments, such as health or education, with a greater understanding of what Christians believe and what is distinctively Anglican.

The college is well on its way to receiving PNG Government accreditation as a provider of higher education. The college has seen significant improvements with the renewal of buildings on the site and the provision of much more reliable electricity and internet access. The library has also been significantly improved, with the addition of many new textbooks.

The college exists primarily to train students for ordination. That diploma course now runs over three years, not four, meaning that more teaching and learning has been incorporated into each year.

Members of ABM Board and staff visited the college for 2023 Martyrs Day celebrations and interacted with the students. One of them was first-year student Paul Kavie, a 29-year-old Wafo man from the Diocese of Aipo Rongo. He is married to Magdala and they have a 2-year-old son, Michael. Paul’s favourite subject is Anglican Studies, but he said that he is also enjoying learning about St Paul’s epistles. He said he was grateful to all who donate to the college because it helped to build up the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea from its heart. He said that he wanted to become a priest to serve God’s people. Growing up, Paul said there were no permanent priests in any of the four parishes in the deanery from which he comes.

Final-year student, Duffield Lasibori, is from the Diocese of Popondota and comes from Gona. He came to the college after years of discerning his vocation. The third time God called him he decided it was time to respond. Duffield is looking forward to making an impact once he is ordained at the end of the year, by supporting and working alongside God’s people in whichever parish he is assigned to. “We really appreciate your support. It helps us to spread the Gospel throughout PNG,” he said.

Your donation to this project will support Newton Theological College to meet increasing demand and to train its students for a variety of theologically-informed futures.