Reverend Simione Tugi, the general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches, has urged churches to focus on delivering the correct messages that address pressing social issues, particularly the problem of drug abuse. In a recent conversation, Mr. Tugi expressed concern that lay preachers and pastors are often failing to address these critical topics.
He emphasized the need for churches to leverage their influence to openly condemn social issues. “We are facing significant social challenges, yet the messages we preach often diverge from these realities,” he stated. Mr. Tugi called for a serious dialogue within churches, criticizing a tendency to shy away from discussions about pressing matters such as drug addiction and violence.
“The lack of discussion about real issues allows evils to persist,” he added. He noted that conversations often focus on spiritual themes like heaven and the Holy Spirit, while neglecting urgent matters such as drugs and violence.
Mr. Tugi referenced the Gospel of Luke, suggesting that church leaders have a responsibility to help those who are “captive” to drugs, highlighting that addiction blurs their perception of reality. “These individuals are in need of good news to help them recognize their situation,” he concluded.