Clergy urged to apply the gospel in daily life to tackle youth-focused social challenges
Reverend Viliame Fatiaki, the Rotuma Divisional Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has underscored the essential role of pastors, reverends, and lay preachers in addressing today’s social issues, especially those affecting young people. He pointed to rising concerns such as drug use and teenage pregnancies, saying the gospel must be woven into every facet of life and that the church’s mission extends beyond the pulpit into practical engagement with communities.
Fatiaki urged clergy to take a proactive stance—proclaiming the gospel while also organizing workshops and programs that confront these problems head-on. He stressed the importance of approaching youths with compassion rather than judgment and urged church members to see them as integral parts of the congregation and as people of God. “We may hate the sin, but we must love the sinner,” he said.
Beyond spiritual guidance, he highlighted the church’s commitment to collaborating with government and other stakeholders to provide holistic support—mental, physical, and social—throughout the community. He called for the implementation of empowerment programs designed to inspire positive change and to offer clear pathways away from destructive habits.
Fatiaki’s emphasis on active church engagement reflects a broader push within Fiji’s Methodist leadership to work alongside authorities and civil society in strengthening resilience, faith, and hope among young people. The initiative aims to translate faith into practical actions that bolster families and communities as they navigate these pressing challenges.
Summary: A Fiji Methodist leader is calling for a hands-on, compassionate approach from clergy to address drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, and related issues among youth, pairing gospel-based guidance with community workshops and government collaboration to build resilience and hope.
Editorial notes and value-added ideas:
– Follow-up coverage could expand on specific workshops or programs planned by the Rotuma division, including timelines, partner organizations, and how families can access support.
– Consider adding human-interest elements, such as profiles of youths who have benefited from church-led initiatives, to illustrate impact.
– For readers, include actionable steps: how congregations can volunteer, donate, or participate in youth empowerment activities.
– SEO ideas: include keywords like youth empowerment, church outreach Fiji, community mental health support, teenage pregnancy prevention, drug prevention programs.
– A potential next-angle story could explore how government and civil society partners are coordinating with church groups to implement mental health and social services on the ground.
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