Two prominent church leaders in Fiji have publicly distanced themselves from Pastor Jo Lauvanua of the New Way International Fellowship Ba after his recent controversial sermon during an evangelistic crusade in Ba. In his remarks, Pastor Lauvanua asserted that children born out of wedlock do not come from God, a statement that has sparked significant backlash on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
Reverend Simione Tugi, the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship’s general secretary and national executive administrator, described Pastor Lauvanua’s assertions as “worrying and inconsistent with Christian teachings.” He emphasized that every child has a divine purpose, remarking, “It is unbelievable that a preacher would say such things,” and expressed concern over the potential misinterpretation of Scripture.
Reverend Manasa Kolivuso, a senior pastor at the Christian Mission Fellowship, reinforced these sentiments by asserting that the Bible views all children as gifts from God. He stated, “If God says children are gifts, who are we to say they are not? Children, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, are innocent and loved by God.” He also cited Psalm 127:3, which declares that children are a reward from God, highlighting that this scripture applies universally without regard to the circumstances surrounding their conception.
Both leaders urged the church community to embrace all children without discrimination, noting that while they promote marriage before childbirth, their stance does not exclude children born outside of marriage. Reverend Kolivuso pointed out examples from biblical history, including King Solomon, who was born from the union of King David and Bathsheba, emphasizing that God’s grace extends to all despite their backgrounds.
Reverend Tugi cautioned fellow preachers about the importance of accurate scriptural interpretation, suggesting that misinterpretations can do significant harm, especially when shared with a broad audience. He called for a more thoughtful approach to Scripture to prevent inadvertently misleading congregations.
This incident highlights a crucial conversation within the church about the acceptance of all children, reaffirming the belief that divine love and purpose are not conditional upon circumstances of birth.
In a hopeful light, the situation also underscores the willingness within the church community to engage in difficult discussions regarding scriptural interpretation and societal norms. It serves as a reminder of the inclusive and compassionate teachings central to many faiths, allowing for growth and understanding.
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