The leader of Fiji’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa, is currently under investigation for allegations of sexual abuse. The church has initiated an internal inquiry following accusations made during a live podcast on Facebook.
In a statement, the church emphasized its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy concerning sexual abuse and expressed its readiness to cooperate fully with any investigation. Church general secretary Epeli Saukuru noted that previous police investigations into similar allegations did not result in any charges. Despite this, the church remains dedicated to enforcing transparency and accountability.
Saukuru highlighted the organization’s priority for community safety and wellbeing, extending thoughts and prayers to those potentially affected by the situation. He also encouraged any victims of sexual abuse within the church to promptly report allegations to law enforcement.
To further protect its members, the SDA Church in Fiji continues to offer safeguarding training, ensuring adherence to established policies for all employees and leaders. The church has also pledged to protect the dignity and safety of every individual through initiatives like the ‘enditnow® campaign,’ which aims to eliminate violence and abuse in all forms.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and support for victims within religious organizations. By prioritizing training and encouraging reporting, the church is taking steps to create a safer environment for its community.
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