Methodist Church Urges Parents to Tackle Child Neglect
To address these social issues affecting families and children, the church will consider reducing some programmes run by church circuits.
Monday 02 September 2024 | 15:13
The newly-ordained ministers and deconesses of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma at the Centenary Church in Suva on August 1, 2024.
Reverend Semisi Turagavou, President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, has urged parents to fulfil their responsibilities amid rising concerns over child neglect.
A recent report by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection reveals that 76 per cent of abused and neglected children in Fiji come from Christian homes.
The report also notes that 75 per cent of these children are iTaukei. Reverend Turagavou said that the high involvement of Christian families in such issues negatively reflected on the community.
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“We acknowledge that there is a problem, and we will not shy away from it,” Reverend Turagavou said.
“We take full responsibility because social issues within homes continue to raise despite numerous awareness campaigns.”
To address these social issues affecting families and children, the church will consider reducing some programmes run by church circuits.
Reverend Turagavou said certain church programmes took time away from families, which had been a concern for many members.
He observed that many members spend excessive time on church activities, impacting family time.
“We are trying to strengthen the family unit, which is where we should start. Otherwise, the negative effects will eventually impact the children,” he said.
“We will work with the congregation to reinforce family bonds, which will help resolve these issues,” Reverend Turagavou said.
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