‘Men of God have failed’
"The Government and the 'vanua' have exhausted themselves in trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not doing our job," he said.
Wednesday 28 August 2024 | 13:08
In the face of a worsening national crisis-marked by escalating drug trafficking, teenage pregnancies, sexual crimes and escalating HIV/AIDS cases-a Methodist Church official has criticised its failure to act.
Reverend Iliesa Koroi, Evangelism Secretary for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has pointed out the church's negligence in confronting these crises, highlighting the urgent need for more effective action.
Reverend Koroi's comments reveal that both the Government and the 'vanua ' are depleted from their efforts to tackle these crises, largely due to the church's negligence.
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"The Government and the 'vanua' have exhausted themselves in trying to combat these social issues because we, the prophets, are not doing our job," he said.
He criticised pastors and reverends for their lack of effectiveness, saying: "People don't change through education but through the word of God.
“The Government and the vanua are tired because the men of God are sleeping on the job.”
He highlighted the critical need for the church to engage more deeply with the youth, who are grappling with HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and pornography.
“The police will get tired of uprooting and raiding drugs when these issues are not addressed from within themselves, and for this to happen, it needs God,” the reverend said.
“Only God can change Fiji.”
Reverend Koroi also condemned the neglect of family unity and prayer, stressing that modern families have drifted away from essential spiritual practices.
“Families need to spend time with each other and, most importantly, pray together,” he urged.
In a sharp rebuke of Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s proposal to reintroduce the death penalty for major drug traffickers, Reverend Koroi condemned the approach as ineffective.
“She is a minister but can’t address the issue properly; instead, she proposes death. That is not the solution,” he said.
He insisted that true solutions lie in addressing the root causes of crime rather than implementing drastic measures.
“We must address the root of the problem, which is the desire within a person.”
Reverend Koroi is making a powerful call for unity among religious leaders, urging all faith communities to collaborate in confronting the nation’s severe social issues.
“Let’s work together,” he declared, as he was re-elected to his role.
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
