Prime Minister Wale calls for stronger families grounded in gospel values, with churches leading discipleship programmes.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for stronger families grounded in gospel values, describing a discipled family as the strongest social protection system Solomon Islands can have.
Speaking at a joint workshop of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA), the Prime Minister said national development cannot be sustained by public investment alone.
He said the values of justice, mercy, humility, service and care for others are essential to building safe and resilient communities.
“It is the gospel and it is also the best of our kastom,” Prime Minister Wale said, pointing to the biblical call to “do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.”
He said when these values are lived out in families and communities, they help create conditions where disputes can be resolved, vulnerable people are protected and development can take root.
“Where it is missing, no amount of public money can fill the hole,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government therefore sees strengthening families and communities as an important part of nation-building, with churches playing a leading role in discipleship.
“The Government will support the churches and the churches must lead, in discipleship programmes for families and communities across Solomon Islands,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale said the foundation of these programmes must be gospel values practised daily within the home.
He stressed that discipleship should not be confined to occasional seminars, crusades or Sunday activities but become part of everyday family life.
“Gospel values, in the home, every day. Build everything else on that,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government’s role is to provide support and resources, while churches take responsibility for developing and leading programmes that strengthen families.
He said the approach recognises the family as the first environment in which children learn values, responsibility and how to relate to others.
Prime Minister Wale said building stronger families is ultimately an investment in the character and resilience of the nation.
“A discipled family is the strongest social protection system a nation can have,” he said.
SOURCE// OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER PRESS RELEASE
