Two church leaders in Fiji have publicly distanced themselves from a pastor following controversial remarks made during an evangelistic crusade in Ba last week. Pastor Jo Lauvanua of the New Way International Fellowship drew significant criticism after asserting that children born out of wedlock are not from God. His statement, which has since gone viral on social media, sparked outrage among many.
Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, labeled Pastor Lauvanua’s comments as “worrying and inconsistent with Christian teachings.” He emphasized that every child has a divine purpose, and the notion that any child could be deemed less worthy is a misinterpretation of Scripture.
Reverend Manasa Kolivuso, senior pastor at the Christian Mission Fellowship, echoed these sentiments, stating that the Bible teaches all children are precious gifts from God, irrespective of their circumstances of birth. He cited Psalms 127:3, which emphasizes that every child is a reward from God, without conditions attached based on marital status.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of accurate biblical interpretation, urging pastors to be cautious in their teachings. Reverend Tugi noted that misleading interpretations can cause harm, especially when shared with a broad audience.
In a broader sense, the responses from these church leaders reflect a hopeful trend within the religious community, advocating for inclusivity and the unconditional love of God toward all children. By reaffirming the value of every child, regardless of their birth circumstances, the church can foster a more compassionate and understanding environment.
The Fiji Evangelical Fellowship is part of a larger Protestant network affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance, and emphasizes the need for respectful and careful exposition of biblical Scriptures in the context of all church teachings.
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