Amid an escalating national crisis characterized by increasing drug trafficking, teenage pregnancies, sexual crimes, and rising HIV/AIDS cases, a Methodist Church official has expressed concern over the church’s inaction.
Reverend Iliesa Koroi, the Evangelism Secretary for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, criticized the church for its failure to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for more effective interventions. He highlighted that the efforts of both the Government and local communities, or ‘vanua,’ have been hindered due to the church’s negligence.
“The Government and the vanua have exhausted themselves in trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not doing our job,” Reverend Koroi remarked. He underscored the ineffectiveness of pastors and reverends, asserting that true change comes from the teachings of the Bible rather than education alone.
“The Government and the vanua are tired because the men of God are sleeping on the job,” he further stated. Reverend Koroi pointed out the urgency for the church to engage more actively with the youth struggling with issues like HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, and pornography.
“The police will get tired of uprooting and raiding drugs when these issues are not addressed from within themselves, and for this to happen, it needs God,” he declared. “Only God can change Fiji.”
In addition, Reverend Koroi criticized the weakening of family unity and prayer, noting that many modern families have strayed from vital spiritual practices. “Families need to spend time with each other and, most importantly, pray together,” he urged.
He also rebuked Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s suggestion to reinstate the death penalty for serious drug offenders, calling the proposal ineffective. “She is a minister but can’t address the issue properly; instead, she proposes death. That is not the solution,” he argued.
Reverend Koroi insists that the focus should be on addressing the underlying causes of crime rather than resorting to extreme measures. “We must address the root of the problem, which is the desire within a person.”
In a powerful call for collaboration, Reverend Koroi urged unity among religious leaders, encouraging all faith communities to work together in tackling the nation’s critical social problems. “Let’s work together,” he stated as he was re-elected to his position.