Church leaders and government officials recently participated in a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing responses to drug abuse and addiction within communities. The event was organized by the Fiji Council of Churches in collaboration with the Ministry of Policing and the Pacific Conference of Churches.
The workshop utilized a well-established Christian method known as the pastoral circle, which is designed to assist faith organizations in effectively addressing social challenges. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, the head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, highlighted four essential components of this approach.
The first involves understanding the reality of drug abuse in local communities, followed by an examination of its root causes. The third component emphasizes reflecting on faith teachings, while the final step focuses on developing actionable plans to combat this issue.
Archbishop Loy Chong emphasized the importance of recognizing the reality of the situation as it exists and encouraging discussions about how individuals feel regarding the problem. He noted that delving into the underlying causes is crucial—without addressing these root issues, any responses may fall short of achieving meaningful results.
The primary goal of the workshop is to provide church leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the drug crisis, equipping them with practical tools that combine both faith and scientific insights to effectively tackle addiction. This initiative reflects a hopeful commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to a pressing societal issue, aiming to make a positive impact in communities across Fiji.