Morima in Papua New Guinea

The Morima have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Dialect
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Morima is an indigenous people of Papua New Guinea, living in Milne Bay Province on Fergusson Island. They are also known as Fagululu or Molima and speak the Molima language. Little recorded history exists, but they are part of the wider Melanesian cultural stream shaped by village life and later Christian mission influence.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is village-based, with subsistence farming and fishing central to survival. Families are close-knit, often living in extended households, and community cooperation is important. Diets typically include root crops, fish, and tropical fruits. Celebrations revolve around communal feasts, traditional music, and church gatherings, blending local customs with Christian practices.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Morima identify as Christian, with a strong church presence. As in much of the country, elements of traditional beliefs such as respect for spirits or ancestors may still exist alongside Christianity.


What Are Their Needs?

Greater access to biblical teaching in their heart language would deepen spiritual maturity. Stronger discipleship and leadership development would help local believers become a sending force. Improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation would strengthen community well-being.


Prayer Items

Pray for deep, Bible-centered faith and freedom from syncretism.
Pray for trained local leaders and evangelists.
Pray for improved infrastructure, medical care, and education.
Pray that the Morima church would actively participate in reaching other groups with the gospel.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Molima language.


Scripture Prayers for the Morima in Papua New Guinea.


References

Molima of Papua New Guinea (PGID: PG010236) - PeopleGroups.org
Religion in Papua New Guinea – Wikipedia
Molima Language (MOX) – Ethnologue


Kuruti-Pare in PNG
https://m.joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12882/PP


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Morima
People Name in Country Morima
Alternate Names Fagululu; Molima
Population this Country 5,900
Population all Countries 5,900
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13816
ROP3 Code 106800
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Milne Bay province: Esa’ala district, Ebadidi, Ni’ubuo, and Salakahadi area inland villages on west Fergusson island; central west coast, Fagululu; central south coast, Molima.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Milne Bay province: Esa’ala district, Ebadidi, Ni’ubuo, and Salakahadi area inland villages on west Fergusson island; central west coast, Fagululu; central south coast, Molima..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
99.00 %
Ethnic Religions
1.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Molima (5,900 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code mox
Ethnologue Language Familly Austronesian
Glottolog Language Family Austronesian
Primary Dialect Morima
Dialect Code 2171   Global Recordings Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Molima (5,900 speakers)
Ethnologue Language Code mox
Ethnologue Language Familly Austronesian
Glottolog Language Family Austronesian
Primary Dialect Morima
Dialect Code 2171   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Molima
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.