The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma’s Assistant General Secretary, Reverend Anil Reuben, has emphasized the importance of healing and forgiveness in response to the proposed establishment of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This message comes as Reverend Reuben addresses the lingering effects of the 1987 and 2000 coups, which deeply impacted both him and his family.
Reverend Reuben highlighted the significance of voicing personal truth before moving on from past pain. He noted that the 2000 coup particularly altered the perceptions of many iTaukei individuals. Although he expressed his hurt stemming from the actions of specific individuals, he clarified that his feelings should not be directed toward the younger generation of his community, with whom he shares a familial bond.
He acknowledged the challenges of forgiveness but stressed the need for others to hear and understand experiences of pain. He believes that truth and reconciliation can unearth pent-up hurt, allowing for communal healing.
Reverend Reuben also encouraged Indo-Fijians to share their stories, stating that it is essential for the community to confront the past. He recounted instances of families feeling unsafe in their homes at night, illustrating that the emotional scars from those events persist. He remains hopeful that truth and reconciliation efforts will foster joy and positively transform Fiji’s future.
A public consultation on the Commission’s formation is scheduled at the Civic Centre in Suva today at 9 a.m.