Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently expressed his views on Fiji being recognized as a Christian state during the Methodist Church Suva Circuit’s annual general meeting. He stated that while he has no objection to this designation, it is crucial that people of all religions maintain their freedom to worship and that Christianity should never be imposed on anyone.
Rabuka’s remarks come at a time when he acknowledges the increasing social challenges within the Christian community, citing worrying statistics around domestic violence, crime, and drug use among self-identified Christians. He specifically referred to recent tragic incidents, including the deaths of two women linked to domestic violence, and expressed concern over the prevalence of drug use among young people he encountered during a visit to the Wailea Settlement in Vatuwaqa.
Emphasizing the church’s role in addressing these issues, Rabuka urged church leaders to confront the realities facing their communities from the pulpit. He conveyed that the current circumstances demand that religious teachings resonate with the community while promoting moral leadership.
Rabuka’s observations align with sentiments shared by other leaders in the Methodist Church, such as Reverend Iliesa Koroi, who has previously called attention to the church’s insufficient engagement with pressing social challenges like drug trafficking and the rise of HIV/AIDS in Fiji. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on collaboration among religious leaders and the community presents a hopeful vision, suggesting that united action can lead to meaningful improvements in addressing the nation’s social issues.
With strong advocacy for unity and collective effort, Rabuka’s comments inspire optimism for a collaborative approach among diverse faith communities to tackle the challenges they face together and foster a more resilient society.
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