On the bridge of HMAS Choules, with Pacific voices rising in song and the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby’s coastline in view, Australian Army Chaplain Kristen Dillon witnessed how faith can unite people across nations.

Stationed with the ADF during PNG’s 50 years of Independence (PNG50) celebration week, Chaplain Dillon led prayers and shared communion alongside colleagues from Fiji, PNG, New Zealand, Tonga, the United States, the United Kingdom and Vanuatu.

“My job is to care for the soldiers, for their welfare, to encourage them, give them hope, be available to them and journey with them as part of this experience,” Chaplain Dillon said.

That support extended beyond the Australian contingent. 

Working with the ship’s Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officer, Chaplain Dillon helped bridge faith across services while connecting with PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) chaplains during the week of celebrations.

Together, they enabled ADF members to take part in services across Port Moresby, while also holding gatherings on board Choules with personnel from across the Pacific.

“It’s so lovely, to be welcomed anywhere in the world as family in faith,” she said.

'PNG is an example to us of how diversity and unity can really work together, and I think that’s an example of the church as well.'

For Chaplain Dillon, these moments reflected the spirit of PNG50. 

“PNG is an example to us of how diversity and unity can really work together, and I think that’s an example of the church as well,” she said.

That sense of connection extends beyond PNG. Through the Pacific Defence Faith Network, chaplains from across the region share challenges, support one another and learn from each other’s different approaches to service and spirituality.

The celebrations also gave time for reflection. At Bomana War Cemetery, Chaplain Dillon joined a service remembering the Battle of Kokoda, supporting ADF members who discovered family links to those laid to rest there.

“Three of our crew members have relatives buried there,” she said. 

“It was a real privilege to commemorate that battle, where Papua New Guineans served bravely alongside Australians, where their efforts saved so many lives, but lives were also lost.”

From church services in Port Moresby to moments of reflection at sea and on land, Chaplain Dillon found simple ways for people to share faith and connect during PNG50.