Two church leaders in Fiji have publicly distanced themselves from Pastor Jo Lauvanua following controversial remarks he made during an evangelical crusade in Ba last week. Pastor Lauvanua, of the New Way International Fellowship Ba, asserted that children born out of wedlock are not God’s creations, sparking widespread backlash on social media.
Reverend Simione Tugi, general secretary and national executive administrator of the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, condemned Lauvanua’s statement as both troubling and inconsistent with Christian doctrine. He emphasized that every child has a divine purpose, countering Lauvanua’s interpretation of scripture.
Echoing this sentiment, Reverend Manasa Kolivuso, senior pastor of the Christian Mission Fellowship, stated that the Bible clearly teaches that all children are gifts from God, regardless of their origins. He cited Psalms 127:3, which states, “Children are a gift from God; the fruit of the womb is a reward,” and emphasized that God’s love and acceptance applies to all children without distinction.
Both reverends reaffirmed that while the church promotes marriage before childbirth, it does not discriminate against children born outside of wedlock. Reverend Kolivuso referenced the biblical figure King Solomon, who was born from an adulterous relationship yet was chosen by God to lead Israel, illustrating that divine purpose can stem from any circumstance.
Reverend Tugi urged fellow preachers to approach scripture with care and thoroughness, noting that misleading interpretations can have harmful consequences, particularly when amplified in public discourse. Attempts to reach Pastor Lauvanua and the New Way International Fellowship Ba for comments were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The Fiji Evangelical Fellowship is part of a larger network of Protestant organizations affiliated with the World Evangelical Alliance and works alongside other ecumenical bodies in Fiji and the Pacific region.
This incident highlights the importance of understanding and compassion in discussions regarding family and faith, reinforcing the message that every child is deserving of love and acceptance, regardless of their background.
In summary, while challenges like these arise, they often lead to greater discussions about inclusivity and the unconditional love that faith communities should embody. It serves as a reminder of the teachings of acceptance and love that are foundational to many religious beliefs.
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