Twelve pastors from across New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) recently completed a marriage celebrant training program held at the Mission’s conference room in Kokopo, East New Britain, from April 21 to 24.
The training, themed “Be a Civil Celebrant for Tomorrow”, was led by Pastor Simon Vetali, a certified celebrant trainer in Papua New Guinea. Participants included departmental directors, district directors, local pastors and provincial area supervisors from the provinces of West New Britain, New Ireland and East New Britain.
The course covered a range of topics, including types of marriage, legal procedures for registration, religious and civil ceremonies, divorce and remarriage, premarital counselling and the distinction between church and garden weddings.
In one of his presentations, Pastor Vetali highlighted the need for pastors to address improper marriages within churches and encouraged participants to promote family life education and help strengthen homes.
Pastor Gabriel Kamara expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it had broadened his understanding of the celebrant’s role. “I thought being a celebrant was just about conducting weddings,” he said. “But I’ve learned that it’s more than that—it’s a ministry and a responsibility for me as a pastor.” He added that while the Church hosted the training, participants would be officially recognised by the government as certified marriage celebrants.
Youth and family life ministries director Minister Bera Atahu, who helped host the program, said he was grateful for the opportunity. He noted that premarital counselling was a vital component, often missing in many relationships, especially for young people, “which leads to family problems”, he said. “It’s an important tool in addressing family challenges.”
At the certificate presentation, NBNIM president Pastor Andrew Opis thanked the facilitator and reminded participants of the “sacred role” they now hold. “Marriage and the Sabbath are the two institutions established in Eden,” he said. “Strong homes and strong marriages are the foundation of a healthy society.”
He encouraged pastors to use their new skills not only to conduct weddings, but to counsel couples with a focus on “sacredness, purity, quality and authenticity.”
