Reverend Semisi Turagavou, the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, is calling on parents to embrace their responsibilities more fully. A report from the Ministry of Women and Social Protection reveals that a staggering 76 percent of children facing abuse and neglect come from Christian households, with 75 percent being of iTaukei descent.
Reverend Turagavou expressed concern that this high percentage highlights a troubling trend within the community. “We acknowledge the problem and will not shy away from it,” he stated, emphasizing the church’s accountability for social issues that continue to affect families, despite ongoing awareness initiatives.
To tackle these challenges, the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is considering scaling back certain church programs. Reverend Turagavou pointed out that some activities may interfere with family time, which has been a significant concern among church members.
He noted that excessive engagement in church activities can negatively impact family dynamics and stressed the importance of bolstering family connections to safeguard children from adverse circumstances. “We will work with the congregation to reinforce family bonds to help resolve these issues,” he affirmed.