Churches should broaden their outreach efforts beyond their own congregations to better serve the wider community, according to the Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches. He expressed concern that many churches focus solely on their members, overlooking the urgent needs of those outside their congregations.
Mr. Tugi emphasized the importance of addressing social issues, arguing that these challenges affect both church members and the broader community. He criticized the notion that such issues should be left solely to the government, pointing out that congregations include many individuals who face these struggles.
Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, Mr. Tugi highlighted that Jesus spent most of His time with marginalized individuals rather than solely within religious settings. He urged churches to connect with those in need, stating that the current focus on internal matters detracts from their responsibility to care for others.
Mr. Tugi called for churches to act in line with their teachings by engaging with and supporting those who are less fortunate in society. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of church outreach, asserting that churches are not fulfilling their role in the community effectively.