Samoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, has raised a significant concern regarding the presence of non-Christian religions in the country, suggesting that measures should be taken to ban them. Schmidt emphasized the need to protect Samoa from potential religious extremism and violence, citing recent attacks on religious groups in Australia and New Zealand as a catalyst for this discussion.
To facilitate this review, the National Council of Churches has been invited to assess and provide guidance on the future of non-Christian beliefs within Samoa. Schmidt expressed his views directly, stating, “If there are religions that do not believe in our Christian faith, then they should not be accepted here.” He articulated a sense of urgency around the issue, stating, “This is the time to address it.”
During an announcement on Christmas Eve, the Prime Minister made it clear that his government advocates for restrictions on non-Christian religions in the nation. However, he did not clarify whether this stance included Judaism or any other specific non-Christian faiths. “We must consider very carefully, as a nation, the entering of pagan beliefs that are not founded on God,” he added, indicating a desire to uphold the Christian values he believes are integral to Samoa’s societal fabric.
In 2017, Samoa’s Parliament had already made significant strides in solidifying its Christian identity by amending the nation’s Constitution to declare it a Christian nation founded on the tenets of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, effectively transitioning from a secular state. Prior to this amendment, the Constitution described Samoa as “an independent State based on Christian principles and Samoan custom and traditions.” The constitutional change underscored Christianity as the national religion, reflecting the prevailing cultural ethos.
The discussions sparked by Schmidt’s recent comments will likely ignite further dialogue about religious tolerance and the role of different faiths in the Pacific island nation. As the government and councils evaluate the implications of these suggestions, the outcome could shape the religious landscape in Samoa for years to come, highlighting the balancing act between national identity and religious inclusivity.
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