A Methodist Church official has criticized the institution for its failure to address the ongoing national crisis, which includes 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 need for the church to take more decisive action against these pressing issues.
According to Reverend Koroi, both the Government and the community have been strained in their attempts to tackle these challenges, largely due to the church’s inaction. “The Government and the community have exhausted themselves trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not doing our job,” he stated.
He criticized church leaders for not being effective, saying, “People don’t change through education but through the word of God.” He further remarked that the authorities are fatigued because spiritual leaders are not fulfilling their responsibilities.
Reverend Koroi underlined the importance of the church connecting with the youth, many of whom are struggling with drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other issues. He noted, “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. Only God can change Fiji.”
The reverend also expressed concern over the decline in family unity and the practice of prayer, urging families to cultivate strong spiritual connections. “Families need to spend time with each other and, most importantly, pray together,” he said.
In response to Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s suggestion to reintroduce the death penalty for serious drug offenders, Reverend Koroi argued that this approach is ineffective. “She is a minister but can’t address the issue properly; instead, she proposes death. That is not the solution,” he asserted. He believes that the focus should be on the underlying causes of crime rather than imposing harsh penalties.
Reverend Koroi is calling for unity among religious leaders and all faith communities to jointly tackle the severe social issues plaguing the nation. “Let’s work together,” he declared, as he was re-elected to his position.