‘Be Responsible Parents’
Reverend Turagavou said this high involvement of Christian families reflects poorly on the community.
Sunday 25 August 2024 | 19:48
Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma conference participants at the Centenary Church in Suva on August 23, 2024. Photo: Sosiveta Korobiau
Reverend Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, is urging parents to take responsibility for their roles.
With child neglect being a common issue, a Ministry of Women and Social Protection report indicates that 76 per cent of abused and neglected children come from Christian homes, with 75 per cent being iTaukei.
Reverend Turagavou said this high involvement of Christian families reflects poorly on the community.
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We acknowledge the problem and will not shy away from it, he said.
We take full responsibility as social issues within homes persist despite numerous awareness campaigns.
To address these issues, the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma may reduce some church programmes.
Reverend Turagavou noted that some programmes detract from family time, which has been a concern for many members.
He observed that excessive time spent on church activities impacts family time and emphasised the need to strengthen the family unit to prevent negative effects on children.
We will work with the congregation to reinforce family bonds to help resolve these issues, he said.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj