Fiji must adopt a culture of forgiveness as an essential element of its national reconciliation efforts, according to Rev. Simione Tugi, the general secretary of the Fiji Council of Churches. He emphasized that forgiveness is vital for addressing historical grievances and enabling the nation to progress.
During recent consultations, Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran, who chairs the steering committee, highlighted the importance of confronting Fiji’s history of human rights abuses to achieve justice and lasting peace. To this end, she stated that a commission would examine Fiji’s past.
However, Rev. Tugi expressed concern that focusing on the past could hinder progress. He discussed the importance of biblical reconciliation, describing it as a means for previously divided parties to achieve peace. He stated, “Because God has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, we can reconcile with each other, no longer counting offenses against one another—that is Christian reconciliation.”
According to Rev. Tugi, forgiveness is what the Fijian people truly need, rather than looking back through an established organization like the commission. He warned that such an approach would merely prolong discussions about past events for years to come.
He explained that reconciliation involves a mediator—Christ Jesus—who provides the foundation for individuals to forgive one another without the need for further conditions, as they themselves are forgiven.
Rev. Tugi reiterated the Christian teaching that God has reconciled humanity through Jesus Christ, setting an example for mutual reconciliation. He stressed that moving on and releasing past grievances is crucial for national progress.
“We cannot change the past. Our country needs to move forward. Let’s focus on how to prepare both the victims and the perpetrators, and how they can interact with each other,” he stated.