Assemblies of God Fiji to Spotlight Social Ills at General Conference with Call for Community Partnerships
The Assemblies of God Church in Fiji is dedicating a special session at its upcoming general conference to confront the social ills facing society. Re}}evend Filikesa Koroivueta, the church’s general secretary, said the move reflects the church’s holistic approach—addressing faith not only within church walls but also through partnerships with government departments and other institutions to combat prevalent social problems.
Koroivueta emphasized that the church intends to move beyond sermons to active involvement with people directly affected by issues such as drug use and HIV. “It’s not only about working out our faith inside the church, but outside as well, especially partnering with existing institutions and organisations in combating social ills of the society we’re facing,” he said. He added that the church must engage with those already working on these challenges and explore practical ways to help.
Ahead of the conference, pocket meetings at district levels brought government departments into discussions on how the church and state can collaborate more effectively. The plan is to craft strategies that can assist communities dealing with drug-related problems and HIV, and to tackle broader youth-related concerns, including a sense of purpose that many young people currently seem to be missing.
The 42nd Biennial General Conference is scheduled for August 25–29 at Mount Zion Cathedral in Saru, Lautoka, under the theme Faith in Action. The week-long gathering will explore concrete steps the church can take to support families, educators, civil society groups, and government in fostering safer, healthier communities.
Context from broader faith leadership in Fiji shows a shared concern among church leaders about social issues and a call for proactive engagement. The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma has been vocal about the church’s responsibility to serve as the nation’s conscience and to participate in conversations on drugs, HIV/AIDS, and related challenges. Leaders have urged collaboration among church, government, and the community to address root causes, with some noting alarming trends in drug activity and rising HIV cases as reasons for urgent action. In several statements, faith leaders have urged churches to translate spiritual guidance into practical programs—youth outreach, family empowerment, and partnerships with law enforcement and health services—to turn faith into tangible support for those affected by addiction and disease.
Summary note for readers: The AOG Fiji is signaling a proactive, action-oriented phase, aligning with broader faith-led efforts across Fiji to address drug abuse, HIV, and youth disaffection through collaboration, practical programs, and community engagement.
Editor’s notes and value-added ideas:
– Follow-up coverage could profile specific district-level programs and any partnerships announced during the conference, including timelines and how the public can participate.
– Human-interest elements could highlight youth and families who benefit from church-led initiatives, illustrating impact beyond policy discussions.
– Consider adding practical steps for readers: volunteering opportunities, donation channels, and how congregations can initiate local outreach programs.
– SEO angles: church outreach Fiji, faith in action, youth empowerment, community health partnerships, HIV prevention programs, drug abuse prevention.
– Potential next-angle story: how government agencies and civil society groups are coordinating with church leaders on youth and health services on the ground.
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