A History of the Church in

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, an archipelago nation in Oceania, had many decades of Christian history when the first Latter-day Saints arrived—US army personnel during World War II. Some missionary work took place in 1961, but sustained Latter-day Saint missionary work did not occur until 1980. Shortly after Papua New Guinea became an independent nation, a senior missionary couple began preaching in Port Moresby. In a short time, several local converts were baptized.

The Church grew rapidly through members’ enthusiastic outreach to friends and family members. During 1981, the Church received legal status, and the Port Moresby Branch—with more than 200 members—was divided into four branches. Local members continued sharing the gospel in conjunction with young foreign missionaries, culminating in the organization of the first stake in Port Moresby in 1995, with Vaiba Rome as president.

Because of Papua New Guinea’s rugged topography and wide ocean distances, local Latter-day Saints often expend considerable effort just to attend regional Church meetings. It is not surprising that in a country with over 800 languages, Latter-day Saints speak multiple languages but use English and Tok Pisin at church.

In 2011, Papua New Guinea was the fastest-growing area in the Pacific. In the October 2019 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced a temple to be built in Port Moresby. Now these faithful Saints “may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them” (Doctrine and Covenants 109:22).

Quick Facts

Official Name: Independent State of Papua New Guinea / Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini / Independen Set bilong Papua Niu Gini

Capital: Port Moresby

Largest City: Port Moresby

Official Languages: English, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, PNG Sign Language

Land Area: 452,860 km² (174,850 mi²)

Church Area: Pacific

Missions: 2 (Port Moresby and Lae)

Congregations: 87

Temples: 1 (Port Moresby)