The Methodist Church of Fiji is stepping up its social outreach by strengthening partnerships with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and the Fiji Police Force to tackle poverty and domestic violence. General Secretary Reverend Jolame Lasawa said the church is expanding awareness campaigns and increasing support for families facing hardship, with the aim of building stronger, more resilient communities.
A Memorandum of Understanding with the Fiji Police Force is nearing finalisation to formalise cooperation in addressing social issues, enhancing community resilience, and protecting vulnerable families. Police officers have already begun attending divisional meetings, rallies, and youth camps to engage directly with communities, reflecting a hands-on approach to social change.
Lasawa stressed that poverty and domestic violence remain pressing challenges for many church members, and that the church’s response is grounded in compassion, commitment, and practical action. He noted that this initiative aligns with the Methodist Church of Fiji’s broader mission to serve as both a spiritual guide and an agent of social change across the country.
This renewed push echoes the church’s long-running effort to be deeply embedded in community life. Church leaders have previously called for governance reform and closer collaboration with traditional leadership, government, and local communities to address root causes of social problems. The church has also signaled a willingness to extend its reach beyond church walls, including through outreach to marginalized groups and youth in urban and rural areas, and to coordinate with other denominations and civil society to drive meaningful change.
In recent years, the church has explored diverse channels to amplify its social mission. Partnerships with media outlets have been pursued to broaden outreach, and strategic plans have emphasized engaging with youth and communities considered high-risk areas, or “red zones,” to provide guidance, resources, and opportunities. The collective aim is to ensure spiritual leadership is paired with organized, practical action that strengthens families and communities.
The move toward formal police partnership is viewed as a logical next step in a broader strategy to unify faith-based leadership with civic institutions. It signals optimism that faith communities can play a central role in reducing violence and poverty while reinforcing family unity and social cohesion.
Context and value added
– This development fits a pattern of MC Fiji initiatives to blend spiritual guidance with social service delivery, reinforcing the church’s role as a major civic actor.
– The emphasis on collaboration with vanua (traditional leadership), government, and civil society highlights a holistic, culturally aware approach to policy-like issues.
– The church’s ongoing outreach through media and grassroots programs positions it to reach broader audiences, including youth and families in challenging circumstances.
Summary
The Methodist Church of Fiji is expanding its social mission by formalizing cooperation with the Fiji Police Force and strengthening ties with NGOs and government agencies to address poverty and domestic violence. Grounded in compassion and practical action, the initiative builds on a broader strategy of faith-led community service, governance reform discussions, and cross-sector collaboration to create resilient, safer communities.
Possible follow-ups for editors
– Interviews with Reverend Lasawa and police representatives on the details and timelines of the MoU.
– Profiles of existing NGO partners and specific programs supporting families in hardship.
– An explainer on how the church’s outreach plans intersect with the vanua and government initiatives.
– Case studies of pilot community programs and early outcomes, especially in rural or high-need areas.
Positive note
The partnership signals a hopeful path where faith-based leadership translates into tangible protections and opportunities for vulnerable families, reinforcing social harmony and resilience across Fiji.
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