Reverend Semisi Turagavou, the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has called on parents to take responsibility as concerns about child neglect increase.
A report released by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection indicates that 76 percent of children who have faced abuse or neglect in Fiji come from Christian households. Additionally, the report highlights that 75 percent of these affected children are iTaukei. Reverend Turagavou expressed concern about the high involvement of Christian families in these troubling issues, which he believes tarnishes the community’s image.
“We recognize that there is a problem, and we will not avoid addressing it,” Reverend Turagavou stated. “We accept full responsibility as social issues within homes continue to escalate despite various awareness initiatives.”
In response to these challenges, the church is contemplating a reduction in some programs conducted by church circuits. Reverend Turagavou noted that certain church activities detract from family time, which has become a significant concern among members.
He remarked that many members spend too much time on church-related obligations, which affects their family lives. “Our goal is to reinforce the family unit, as that is where we need to begin. If we don’t, the detrimental effects will ultimately affect the children,” he warned.
Reverend Turagavou added that the church intends to collaborate with the congregation to strengthen family bonds, which he believes will help alleviate these issues.