SIGNING OF THE STATEMENT LETTER BY 14 CLANS OF NAU ISLAND AS A GKI ISLAND

Nau, March 2, 2025 – Fourteen clans (keret) residing on Nau Island have officially signed a Joint Statement Letter with the Working Body of the Classis (BPK) of the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) Waropen and the Nau Village Government. This signing reaffirms a shared commitment to preserving and safeguarding Nau Island as the Gospel Island, an integral part of GKI’s faith heritage.

This historic event took place in Nau Village and was attended by traditional leaders, church leaders, and representatives from the local government. In the agreed statement, all parties committed to ensuring that Nau Island remains part of GKI and to preserving the religious and cultural values passed down through generations.

In his address, the BPK GKI Waropen emphasized the significance of this agreement as a form of respect for the history of the Gospel’s arrival in the region. “Nau Island holds great spiritual and historical value for GKI believers. Through this statement, we ensure that future generations will continue to have a sacred and historical place in their faith journey,” he stated.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Nau Village Government stressed the importance of community support in maintaining the island’s preservation. “This is not just a document but a shared awareness that Nau Island is a house of faith that we must protect with full responsibility,” he said.

The signing was accompanied by a thanksgiving service led by local church leaders. During the service, the congregation was encouraged to maintain harmony and embody the values of love in their communal lives.

With this declaration, Nau Island is further strengthened as a symbol of faith and unity among GKI believers. It is hoped that this commitment will be upheld and passed down to future generations, ensuring that Nau Island remains an inseparable part of GKI’s historical development in Waropen.