Faith Leaders Push for a Greater Role in Shaping National Policy

Faith-based organizations are urging for an increased role in shaping national policies, asserting that many social challenges cannot be resolved by government efforts alone. Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, emphasized the vital relationship between churches, faith groups, and their respective communities, highlighting their insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals.

Reverend Dr. Turagavou advocated for the inclusion of faith leaders in high-level discussions that influence national policy, stressing that issues such as social welfare, family breakdown, and community well-being necessitate joint effort. He remarked, “The government is doing its work on its side with the Vanua. I think this is the right time for us to come together and work as a team to address emerging and social issues on the ground.”

The need for open dialogue was also highlighted, as Reverend Dr. Turagavou believes this is critical for understanding the realities affecting families and communities. He expressed optimism about collaborating with various religious bodies, urging churches, government officials, and traditional leaders to unite in finding solutions to the pressing social issues that challenge communities.

Supporting this initiative, Pundit Bhuvan Dutt, Patron of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, echoed the call for religious organizations to participate in national discussions. He noted the suffering caused by issues such as drug abuse and violence and asserted the importance of informing people in these areas as a religious body. “I believe that there is a lot of suffering which can be controlled,” he stated.

Faith leaders underline the necessity of ongoing collaboration between religious organizations, traditional authorities, and national leaders, believing that working together will yield decisions that are beneficial to communities and safeguard future generations. This collective approach signifies a hopeful step towards tackling the deep-rooted social challenges facing society today.