The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has emphasized the need for healing and forgiveness, as expressed by Assistant General Secretary Reverend Anil Reuben. He is advocating for a collective move towards healing, particularly in light of the proposed Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to address the wounds from past coups, including those in 1987 and 2000 that personally affected him and his family.
Reverend Reuben highlighted the necessity of conveying personal truths before releasing past grievances. He remarked on the lasting psychological impact of these incidents, especially the 2000 coup, on the iTaukei community and expressed hope that the truth and reconciliation process will help alleviate the suffering of those affected.
He noted that his animosity lies with the individuals responsible for the turmoil, rather than with the broader community that shared his upbringing. He acknowledged the difficulty of forgiveness but stressed the importance of sharing experiences to facilitate understanding and healing. “Truth and reconciliation will expose the hurt, and it is crucial for someone to listen,” he stated, emphasizing that much pain remains unaddressed.
Reverend Reuben also urged Indo-Fijians to share their experiences, encouraging them to confront their pasts. He recounted how certain families lived in fear, hiding from raiders at night, which illustrates the ongoing emotional scars left by such violence. He remains hopeful that the truth and reconciliation efforts will foster joy and transformation in Fiji’s societal landscape.
A public consultation regarding the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is set to take place at the Civic Centre in Suva today at 9 am.