In a significant demonstration of solidarity, churches across Fiji have pledged to confront the nation’s rising drug crisis with a united and compassionate strategy alongside government bodies. This commitment was established during the National Ecumenical Workshop on a Pastoral Response to Drugs, organized by the Fiji Council of Churches in Suva, where faith leaders collaborated with government officials, acknowledging the crisis as “a tough, tough, tough fight.”
The assembled denominations released a joint statement characterizing the drug crisis as more than merely a criminal issue; they described it as a multifaceted health, social, spiritual, and cultural emergency that endangers the community’s identity, belonging, and hope.
Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, expressed the importance of the workshop, even noting his unexpected participation. He remarked, “This is an ambush… but I see this as a directive from the Fiji Council of Churches.” Minister Naivalurua emphasized the significant work completed during the workshop, recognizing the challenges ahead and applauding the churches’ existing strengths to tackle the issue.
He stated, “The church, in our view, is already weaponised,” acknowledging their structure and connection to the community’s needs. He encouraged faith leaders to act courageously and remain vigilant, stressing the collective responsibility to protect homes and families from the fallout of drug abuse.
Drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s Bali, where communities actively safeguard their neighborhoods, Minister Naivalurua conveyed a compelling question: whether Fijian communities can rise to protect their own families and futures.
He invoked the Fijian principle of duavata, which encompasses unity and good relationships, highlighting its necessity for success in this endeavor. The churches outlined concrete commitments, including resisting stigmatizing language towards drug users and adopting a Good Samaritan approach—staying engaged, listening impartially, and assisting families on their path to care.
The church leaders acknowledged the limitations of solely relying on enforcement, advocating for a balanced strategy that integrates prevention with law enforcement efforts. This includes investing in preventive measures within schools, supporting effective treatment programs, and fostering robust aftercare services.
In their commitment, they acknowledged, “We affirm that enforcement matters, but enforcement alone cannot heal a nation.” Their unified, compassionate, and trauma-informed response aims to transform prayer into action.
To maintain momentum, the churches resolved to conduct annual prayer days and awareness campaigns, hold consistent communications with police and health officials, and develop localized action plans while upholding stringent confidentiality standards.
Minister Naivalurua concluded the gathering by reiterating the government’s commitment to collaboration. “Every step and every action counts in looking after our young men and women,” he said, urging continued partnership to ensure community safety.
The session ended on a hopeful note with a collective prayer for courage and compassion, aspiring for churches to serve as havens of truth, refuge, and healing for those affected by the ongoing drug crisis in Fiji.