# Travel >> Destinations >> New Zealand

Major Christian Churches in Papua New Guinea: Four Denominations Dominate

Christianity is professed by ~95% of Papua New Guinea's 9M+ people. Four denominations account for the vast majority, each with distinct geographic and cultural strongholds.

1. Roman Catholic Church — Largest (2.6M+)

Structure: 4 Archdioceses (Port Moresby, Madang, Mount Hagen, Rabaul) + 14 Dioceses
Leadership: Archbishop of Port Moresby (metropolitan)
Strongholds: Highlands (Simbu, Eastern, Western, Jiwaka), Islands (East/West New Britain, Bougainville), urban centers
Services: 600+ schools, 150+ health facilities, universities (Divine Word, Pacific Adventist)

2. Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) — ~1M+

Structure: 17 Districts, 300+ parishes. Roots: Neuendettelsau (German) & American Lutheran missions (1886+)
Leadership: Bishop (elected), Head Bishop (archbishop-equivalent)
Strongholds: Morobe (Lae), Madang, Highlands (Eastern, Western, Jiwaka). German mission legacy.
Partners: Gutnius Lutheran Church (Wycliffe/SIL), Lutheran Church of Australia

3. United Church in PNG — ~800K+

Formation: 1968 merger: London Missionary Society (Congregational) + Methodist + Presbyterian (minor)
Structure: 4 Regions (Highlands, Momase, Papuan, Islands) → Districts → Circuits → Local Churches
Leadership: Moderator (elected), General Secretary
Strongholds: Papuan coast (Central, Gulf, Milne Bay), Highlands (Southern, Hela), Islands (New Ireland, Manus)
Legacy: Early literacy, vernacular translation, women's fellowship (strong)

4. Anglican Church of PNG — ~500K+

Origins: 1877 (Australian Board of Mission). Anglo-Catholic tradition.
Structure: 5 Dioceses: Port Moresby (archbishop), Dogura (Milne Bay), Popondetta (Oro), Aipo Rongo (Highlands), New Guinea Islands (New Britain, New Ireland)
Strongholds: Oro (Popondetta), Milne Bay (Dogura), Highlands (Aipo Rongo), urban parishes
Distinctive: Strong monastic orders (Melanesian Brotherhood, Sisters of the Church, Community of the Redeemer)