Two religious leaders in Fiji have publicly distanced themselves from Pastor Jo Lauvanua following controversial remarks he made during a recent evangelizing crusade in Ba. During his sermon in Sasa Village, Lauvanua stated that children born out of wedlock are not from God, a comment that has since drawn widespread criticism on social media.
Reverend Simione Tugi, the general secretary and national executive administrator of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, described Lauvanua’s statement as “worrying and inconsistent with Christian teachings.” He emphasized that God has a plan for every child and criticized the notion that any child could be deemed less than a divine gift.
Reverend Manasa Kolivuso, a senior pastor at Christian Mission Fellowship, echoed Tugi’s sentiments, pointing out that the Bible teaches that all children are gifts from God, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding their birth. He quoted Psalms 127:3, which asserts that children are a reward from God, and argued that this scripture makes no distinction based on whether a child is born to married or unmarried parents.
Kolivuso also referenced the biblical figure King Solomon, who was born from an extramarital relationship, yet was later recognized as a significant leader in Israel, illustrating that one’s origins do not define their value or potential. He reiterated the importance of welcoming all children, viewing them as innocent and loved by God.
Both leaders urged pastors and preachers to exercise caution when interpreting scripture, stressing that misleading interpretations can have damaging consequences, especially in sermons that reach large audiences.
The Fiji Evangelical Fellowship is recognized as a Protestant organization affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance, while the Fiji Council of Churches serves as the ecumenical body within Fiji.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding within religious teachings. The outcry against Lauvanua’s remarks illustrates a collective commitment among church leaders to uphold inclusive and loving values, ensuring that all children, regardless of their backgrounds, are viewed as cherished members of the community.
In summary, the criticism directed at Pastor Lauvanua highlights the values of acceptance and love for all children as expressed by prominent church leaders in Fiji, fostering a message of hope and unity within the faith community.
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