Amidst a deepening national crisis characterized by rising drug trafficking, teenage pregnancies, sexual crimes, and increasing HIV/AIDS cases, a Methodist Church leader has criticized the church for its lack of action.
Reverend Iliesa Koroi, Evangelism Secretary for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, highlighted the church’s failure to tackle these significant issues, emphasizing the urgent call for more decisive involvement.
He pointed out that both the Government and the community have become drained from their efforts to address these crises, much of which he attributes to the church’s inaction. “The Government and the community are worn out trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not fulfilling our responsibilities,” he stated.
Reverend Koroi expressed frustration with the effectiveness of pastors and reverends, asserting that transformation comes from spiritual guidance rather than education alone. He remarked, “The Government and the community are exhausted because the men of God are not performing their duties.”
He underscored the pressing need for the church to engage more actively with youth who are grappling with issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug misuse, and pornography. “Law enforcement will tire of drug raids if these issues are not tackled internally, and that requires divine involvement,” he emphasized. “Only God can bring change to Fiji.”
In his address, Reverend Koroi also criticized the decline of family unity and prayer, noting that contemporary families are drifting away from vital spiritual practices. “Families should invest time in each other and prioritize collective prayer,” he urged.
Furthermore, he firmly rejected the proposal by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya to reinstate the death penalty for major drug traffickers, deeming it an ineffective strategy. He remarked, “She is a minister but cannot properly address the problem; proposing death is not a solution.”
Reverend Koroi stressed that genuine solutions must tackle the underlying motivations behind crime, rather than resorting to extreme measures. “We need to confront the root of the problem, which lies within individuals,” he asserted.
He called for solidarity among religious leaders, urging all faith communities to unite in addressing the country’s serious social challenges. “Let’s collaborate,” he declared as he was re-elected to his post.