CRC submission calls for Sunday to be reserved for worship and family

A proposal to constitutionally protect Sunday as a day of worship and rest was put before the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) during consultations on amendments to the 2013 Constitution in Votua Levu, Nadi, today.

Resident Osea Silimaibau told the commission he wanted a provision included in the Constitution requiring businesses to close on Sundays and recognising the day as being reserved for church activities and family worship.

Mr Silimaibau said the Constitution should clearly state that Sunday is a sacred day and that commercial activities should be restricted, except for essential services such as hospitals, emergency services and other critical operations.

He said the increasing number of businesses opening on Sundays had reduced church attendance and diminished the importance of a day traditionally set aside for worship, reflection and family time.

Mr Silimaibau said protecting Sunday through the Constitution would help preserve Christian values and ensure future generations continued to respect the significance of the day.

He said a constitutional provision on Sunday observance would strengthen family bonds, encourage greater participation in church activities and safeguard an important part of Fiji's cultural and spiritual identity.

The commission was urged to consider the proposal, with Mr Silimaibau saying the Constitution should reflect and protect values that many Fijians continue to hold dear.