Religious differences affecting village unity, commission told

Questions about balancing freedom of religion with traditional village responsibilities were raised during the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) consultations in Tailevu today.

Community leaders say maintaining unity remains important for village development and harmony.

At the CRC consultations in Nadaro Village, concerns were raised about growing divisions within villages, with a community leader warning that religious differences are increasingly affecting village life.

Mata ni Tikina o Vugalei, Kaveni Raikamata, said some villagers were no longer participating in communal work and obligations because of their religious beliefs, creating challenges for community development and social harmony.

Mr Raikamata proposed that the Constitution include provisions that promote community unity while continuing to respect an individual's right to freedom of religion.

“Can we have a maximised number of religions in Fiji in the Constitution? There's too much here in Fiji,” he said.

Mr Raikamata said villages had traditionally relied on collective effort, with residents contributing to projects and responsibilities that benefited the wider community.

However, he said this spirit of togetherness was being weakened as more religious groups emerged and influenced people in different ways.

He told commissioners that some teachings had led to confusion and disagreements among villagers, resulting in divisions that were rarely seen in the past.

“The village can only move forward when everyone works together,” he said.

Mr Raikamata said freedom of religion should not come at the expense of village co-operation and respect for communal responsibilities.

His submission reflected concerns raised by some rural communities that constitutional rights and traditional village obligations should be balanced to help maintain peace, unity and development at the grassroots level.