Christianity existed in Fiji before other religions, says Tui Labasa

Christianity existed in Fiji before any other religion, Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate told participants during the Fiji Constitutional Review Commission consultation at the Labasa Civic Centre on Saturday.

The comments were made during discussions on religion and the 2013 Constitution.

Ratu Jone said Christianity formed the foundation of Fiji’s identity long before the arrival and growth of other religious faiths in the country.

He described Christianity as central to Fijian history, culture and leadership.

“What is this Christian society for?” he asked attendees. “To defeat what the devil is doing.”

Ratu Jone said Christianity was embraced by indigenous Fijians, now known as the iTaukei under the 2013 Constitution, through the work of early missionaries with the approval of chiefs.

He said other religions, including Hinduism and Islam, were later introduced to Fiji during the indentured labour system.

Ratu Jone also spoke about freedom of worship, claiming there had been attempts in the past to suppress Christianity and its values through political and legal systems.

The consultation formed part of the Fiji Constitutional Review Commission’s nationwide public hearings, where citizens are being invited to share views on constitutional reform and national identity.

The meeting in Labasa drew strong reactions from attendees as discussions touched on religion, equality and the role of Christianity in modern Fiji.