Suva archbishop calls for united faith response against drugs

The archbishop said faith groups represent a powerful force for prevention and social change. While acknowledging that past collaboration between churches, the police and traditional leaders had been weak, he said renewed efforts were now underway.

The Fiji Council of Churches, which includes 13 Christian denominations, provides a foundation for stronger cooperation, Archbishop Loy Chong said. He added that expanding collaboration to include Fiji’s Hindu and Muslim communities would cover 98 per cent of the population, creating a united front.

The Catholic Church plans three youth seminars on drug prevention this Lent – in Suva, the Western Division and the Northern Division.

The Fiji Council of Churches, working with the police, will engage other religious groups to develop a shared approach focused on prevention, compassion and community engagement.

“Tackling the drug crisis requires cooperation across faith groups, communities and state agencies,” Archbishop Loy Chong said. “Real progress depends on moving beyond dialogue to action at village and community levels.”

The Catholic Church in Fiji has urged Government to urgently invest in more rehabilitation centres, and has also called for more counsellors in schools.

Archbishop Loy Chong rejected calls to remove addicts from villages. He said the rise of drug problems in Fiji is closely tied to broken families and moral decline.

Prevention programmes, he said, must focus on strengthening families, supporting couples and preparing youths for life and marriage.

FULL STORY

Call for united response in drug fight – The Fiji Times (By Phyllis Simpson)