The Methodist Church of Fiji has voiced strong opposition to the Minister for Women and Children’s proposal to enforce the death penalty for large-scale drug traffickers. This stance aligns the church with various organizations that have criticized Lynda Tabuya’s suggestion.
Reverend Iliesa Koroi, the secretary of the church’s evangelism department and a youth worker, expressed his disapproval of the minister’s call for such a severe punishment. He emphasized the potential for rehabilitation among individuals engaged in illegal activities, arguing that as long as they are alive, there is an opportunity for change.
“Despite our many sins, Jesus continues to love us,” Reverend Koroi stated. “He died so that we can live. I don’t agree with what the minister is stating.”
He further explained that imposing the death penalty would deny individuals the chance to reform and redirect their lives, suggesting that such a decision would metaphorically place blood on the minister’s hands. Citing the book of Ezekiel, he highlighted the importance of warning those on a wrong path to give them a chance to repent and correct their ways.
Reverend Koroi concluded by stating that if the death penalty were enacted, those convicted would die with their sins, and the minister would bear responsibility for advocating such a measure to lawmakers.