Cheers of welcome were accorded to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the New Methodist Christian Fellowship conference at the ANZ Stadium in
Suva on Friday.

As thousands gathered for their 2017 church conference, the Prime Minister received a message from the New Methodist Christian Fellowship general
superintendent, Pastor AtunaisaVulaono, that the church had continued to pray for the President, the Government and the Prime Minister.

Pastor Vulaono said he understood the busy schedule of the Prime Minister but for him to be at the event and share some words that would help church members and the nation meant a lot to the members of the congregation.

Mr Bainimarama was happy to oblige.

Smiles and words of encouragement echoed from around the ANZ Stadium.

The children gathered to greet the Government delegation as the entire main stadium was filled to the brim with members waiting to give a word of prayer for the Prime Minister.

Mr Bainimarama was invited to the church conference with the COP23 Secretariat team, and Climate Change Champion, Inia Seruiratu, to speak about
the country’s role in the upcoming COP23 meeting in Bonn, Germany, in November.

Mr Bainimarama once again stating that the fight against climate change does not have any political agenda and he reminded the church members that
unity in Fiji was of great importance, if they were to take the stand against climate change as a nation.

He said it was important for the church members to stand together and work towards building the nation, understand the effects of climate change and work together with all Fijians.

He said for a church conference to have children also involved with the adults and be part of the various items in the conference was positive, especially during the school holidays and this showed the unity of the church.

“Our Constitution, the law of the land, guarantees the rights of everyone, the right to a common identity, sense of belonging, freedom of speech and expression and given civil and political socio economic rights.
We are building a more inclusive, united society,” Mr Bainimarama said.

He said Fiji was known for its generosity and service and most countries around the world would join hands to be at the COP23 meeting in Bonn, Germany, which will see Fijian unity.

“Fiji is the first Pacific Island to take up a leadership role, presidency at the COP meeting. We need to be united,” he said.

“If the world doesn’t stand together at the COP23 meet than Fiji and other Pacific Islands will be affected by cyclones like Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“People of faith cannot stand by and watch as the planet warms, sea levels rise, and glaciers melt. We owe these to our fellow human beings as well as to ourselves. Fiji is leading this great crusade.”

He said this was critical work, to bring nations of the world together in unity to fight climate change.

At the end of the Prime Minister’s address, Pastor Vulaono and church members laid their hands towards the PM and prayed over him, the Government and the upcoming events led by the Fijian Government.

The congregation cheered “We love you PM” as their way of appreciating his acceptance towards their invitation.

Edited by Naisa Koroi
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