“Since 2013 we have set aside a Sunday to speak out against violence, abuse, injustice and discrimination,” says Holy Trinity Cathedral church Reverend Sereima Lomaloma

Holy Trinity Cathedral Church’s Reverend Sereima Lomaloma focused on the stories of Jesus healing the bleeding woman and the daughter of Jairus to mark the “Break the Silence” Sunday.

“This is a miracle story of faith. It’s not only about faith at a given level.

“The book of Luke shares this story because it’s an example of how Lord Jesus highlighted the injustice and the abusive structures that existed in society at that time,” Reverend Lomaloma said.

“Unfortunately that situation still exists even in Fiji.”

Reverend Lomaloma highlighted this yesterday to about 30 people who attended the service in Suva.

The Anglican Churches in American Samoa, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand also marked the “Break the Silence” Sunday.

“Since 2013 we have set aside a Sunday to speak out against violence, abuse, injustice and discrimination,” Reverend Lomaloma said.

“Civil Society Organisations like the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) have been in the forefront about speaking against violence.

“For the long time they were only voice voicing out to the communities to wake up and see the crime that is happening.”

Reverend Lomaloma said churches were often being accused of being a gate keeper and not saying violence was wrong.

“People should raise their voice to stop violence, abuse and discrimination in Fiji,” she said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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