Fiji Council Of Churches Calls For Churches To Be Vetted

The Fiji Council of Churches is calling for the proper vetting of new Christian groups which want to establish themselves as a Church in Fiji.

General Secretary Reverend Iliesa Naivalu said the Council of Churches was alarmed by the great number of new churches being registered every year.

He added they were also aware that there were churches that were either registered as businesses or were not registered at all.

“Fiji being a small country, we are deeply concerned that there is a disproportionately negative impact in homes, villages and towns when problems emerge in several of the new small churches,” Reverend Naivalu said.

“The ever-increasing number of home-grown new churches is also creating much confusion among our people, and we are concerned that if this issue is left unattended by those in authority, it will lead to more difficulties for the State, the Vanua and the Christian Church in years to come.”

In the past, one of the key roles of the council was to assist the Government with the vetting of new churches.

Currently, the council has 10 members including the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist and Anglican Churches.

It is understood that any new religious body including new churches are required to register themselves with the Office of the Registrar of Titles in Fiji.

In line with this, the Fiji Council of Churches has written to the Prime Minister, for the Council to once again be officially recognised and entrusted to partner with the Government in the vetting of new Christian groups.

“Our concern is based on the following issues:

• Unqualified ministers
• The love of money
• Unbiblical practices
• No respect for the Vanua
• Lack of theological and ethical training
• Cases of wolves in sheep skin (e.g.: church leaders who have been sentenced to jail for rape)
• Unscrupulous acts
• Certain faith groups are born out of dissensions with leaders of their former churches
• The impact on poorer attendees of the unbiblical emphasis on prosperity by some leaders.”

He said in addition to the requirements set by the Office of the Registrar of Titles, the new church leader should provide details of the governance structure of the church, affirm ecumenical and interreligious theological principles, provide a police record for the pastors and ministers and a resume covering academic qualification, ministry experience and social responsibilities.

The PM’s office has yet to respond to the Fiji Sun query.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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