A Methodist Church official has spoken out against the church’s inaction amidst a growing national crisis characterized by rising drug trafficking, teenage pregnancies, sexual crimes, and increasing HIV/AIDS cases. Reverend Iliesa Koroi, the Evangelism Secretary for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, emphasized the church’s failure to address these urgent issues.
Reverend Koroi noted that both the Government and traditional communities are struggling under the weight of these crises, primarily due to the church’s negligence. He stated, “The Government and the vanua have exhausted themselves in trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not doing our job.”
He expressed concern over the lack of effectiveness among pastors and reverends, asserting, “People don’t change through education but through the word of God.” He added that the Government and the community are fatigued because religious leaders are not fulfilling their responsibilities.
The reverend called attention to the necessity for the church to engage more effectively with young individuals who are facing challenges such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, 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 stated. “Only God can change Fiji.”
Additionally, Reverend Koroi criticized the decline of family unity and prayer, stressing that modern families have strayed from vital spiritual practices. He urged families to prioritize time spent together and to pray collectively.
In a pointed criticism of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, who suggested reinstating the death penalty for serious drug offenders, Reverend Koroi labeled this approach as ineffective. “She is a minister but can’t address the issue properly; instead, she proposes death. That is not the solution,” he expressed.
He argued that the real resolutions lie in tackling the root causes of crime instead of resorting to extreme measures. “We must address the root of the problem, which is the desire within a person.”
Reverend Koroi is advocating for unity among religious leaders, urging all faith communities to join forces in addressing the nation’s pressing social challenges. “Let’s work together,” he declared during his recent re-election to his position.