Two church leaders in Fiji have publicly distanced themselves from a pastor following controversial statements made during a recent evangelistic crusade in Ba. Pastor Jo Lauvanua of the New Way International Fellowship sparked significant backlash after claiming that children born out of wedlock are not from God. His remarks have garnered widespread criticism on social media, particularly on Facebook.
Reverend Simione Tugi, the general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, expressed concern regarding Pastor Lauvanua’s sermon, calling it “worrying and inconsistent with Christian teachings.” He emphasized that God has a plan for every child, rejecting the notion that any child’s existence could be deemed unworthy or unwelcome.
Reverend Manasa Kolivuso of the Christian Mission Fellowship echoed Tugi’s condemnation, highlighting biblical teachings that regard all children as gifts from God, irrespective of their circumstances at birth. He pointed to scripture, specifically Psalms 127:3, which states that children are a divine gift without conditions regarding their parentage. Kolivuso also referenced King Solomon, who, despite being born from a relationship deemed improper, was chosen by God for great leadership.
Both leaders affirmed the church’s stance that while marriage before childbirth is encouraged, it does not equate to a rejection of children born outside those bounds. They called for greater care among preachers regarding scriptural interpretations, warning against misleading messages that could negatively impact communities.
Despite attempts to reach out to Pastor Lauvanua and the New Way International Fellowship for comments, no response has been received at this time.
The Fiji Evangelical Fellowship is part of a larger Protestant affiliation with the World Evangelical Alliance, and it emphasizes unity and inclusivity within the Christian community.
This situation serves as an important reminder of the need for compassion and understanding within religious teachings. It also highlights the responsibility leaders have to share messages that uplift and affirm the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. The discussions initiated by this controversy could lead to deeper reflections on the messages delivered from the pulpit and encourage a broader acceptance within the community.
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