Papua New Guinea: Rising Temple Inspires Public Participation in Weaving Project

Sitting on a hilltop in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), is the emerging Baha’i House of Worship — a sacred structure that represents the union of devotion and service to society. 

This central theme, which underlies the purpose of all Baha’i Houses of Worship, is inspiring residents in the area to assist with the development of the temple in that country, most recently with a weaving project.

Last week, people from nearby neighborhoods, drawing on their knowledge and skills, gathered at the temple site to weave aluminum strips into a traditional pattern that will adorn the interior walls of the central edifice. Weaving is an art form in PNG with which people interact daily, through items such as baskets created for special occasions, matts woven for family and friends, and other objects used in daily life. 

The design of the temple dome and the interior weaving pattern are symbolic of unity and the coming together of people from diverse backgrounds. Yori Moigamu, a volunteer from the suburb of Hohola, says: “This House of Worship belongs to all of us. This is what motivates everyone here to work together.” 

Confucius Ikoirere, Secretary of the Baha’i National Spiritual Assembly of PNG, explains that these sentiments are expressed by all people who visit the temple site to pray and offer service. “Once completed, the House of Worship will be open to anyone seeking solace and serenity. It will be a place for all people to reflect deeply on their lives, to think about how they can overcome challenges, and how they can serve their society.” 

The progress on the construction work is featured in the gallery of images at news.bahai.org.