Unite Against Religious And Cultural Intolerance

Suva, Fiji –-- The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is deeply concerned about recent incidents targeting places of worship and sacred texts in our nation. 

The desecration of holy books in Labasa and the damage to a Hindu temple in Suva are not isolated acts. These undermine the spirit of our shared way of life, where people of many different faiths have long lived together in respect and harmony.

These acts have caused pain to our Hindu and Muslim brothers and sisters and shaken the sense of safety for all Fijians.

As our Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, rightly stated at a Hindu peace gathering in Suva: “Attacks on any religion have no place in our country.” He also reminded us of the need for dialogue to strengthen understanding and unity.

FCOSS strongly supports this call.

Our Constitution affirms every Fijian’s right to freedom of religion and belief. This is a cornerstone of our democracy, but laws alone are not enough.

They require courage, kindness, and collective responsibility from all of us to uphold them.

FCOSS Calls for Collective Action
At this critical time, we call on all leaders and communities across Fiji to take a stand:
Leaders Must Lead: Religious, community, and government leaders must clearly speak and act against religious intolerance. Their guidance and example are essential to safeguarding unity.
Protect Sacred Places: Communities, law enforcement, and civil society must work together to safeguard temples, mosques, churches, and all places of worship. These are not just buildings—they are sacred spaces of faith, history, and belonging.
Dialogue for Understanding: Greater interfaith dialogue is needed at the community level. Sharing our experiences and traditions helps heal wounds, dispel fears, and build lasting bonds of respect.
Swift and Fair Justice: Perpetrators of hate-driven acts must be held accountable through transparent and timely legal processes, reinforcing public trust in justice.

A Message to Faith Communities
To our churches, mosques, temples, and all faith-based groups: this is a time to stand together in unity and compassion. We especially acknowledge that several major Christian denominations are currently in their annual gatherings – the Methodist Church of Fiji, the Assemblies of God, and the Catholic Women’s League, which begins its convention today. These are important moments for reflection, decision-making, and prayer.

As the faith community with the largest number of members in Fiji, Christian churches carry a particular responsibility to help guide our nation through this challenge. We humbly ask that time be set aside during these gatherings to reflect, to pray, and to seek solutions that foster peace, mutual respect, and safety for all faiths.

Your voices and leadership are vital. By speaking out for unity and acting as examples of kindness and respect, you can inspire hope and remind our nation that Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity and shared values

FCOSS’ Commitment
FCOSS remains committed to supporting dialogue, convening communities, and advocating for a Fiji where every faith is honoured, every sacred space is safe, and every individual feels a true sense of belonging.

Renewing Our Promise as One Fiji
This is a time when our shared values matter most. Let us reject hate and reaffirm our values of peace, fairness, inclusivity, and mutual respect. If we act together, Fiji will not be weakened by these challenges but will emerge stronger, more united, and more deeply connected by our shared humanity and our dream of a peaceful Fiji.

© Scoop Media