The head of the Catholic Church in Bougainville says the church will take a neutral stance over next year's referendum.
In June next year Bougainville is set to vote on possible independence from Papua New Guinea.
In a sermon on Sunday, Bishop Bernard Unabali told the congregation that the church would support whatever the outcome was - independence or autonomy.
He said he would not let the church become involved in politics, and wanted to see a clear line of demarcation between it and the government.
Bougainville Bishop Bernard Unabali Photo: supplied
