The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has no intention to play any role in any coup going forward, says Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary, James Bhagwan.

Reverend Bhagwan, a former general secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, said church ministers have embraced their role as peacemakers.

“We have had our share of atrocities in Fiji and other Pacific Islands as a result of socio-economic and political crises,” he said.

“Here in Fiji, my own church was once part of the problem in 1987-1989 and again in 2000 as elements within the Methodist Church in Fiji allowed themselves to be manipulated to commit atrocities.”

“We have learned from that dark period in our church history to ensure this never happens again and have embraced our roles as peacemakers.”

Reverend Bhagwan suggested that calling for a reallocation of national military budgets to humanitarian and developmental needs was one way that regional leaders could help support the responsibility to protect.

He was speaking during a Pacific Islands Forum leadership meeting side event, Regional Security and the Responsibility to Protect Seminar.

Feedback: nacanieli@fijisun.com.fj