Samoa archbishop says no to political endorsements

Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui SDB said the Church does not endorse any party or candidate as the people of Samoa prepared to cast their votes last week.

The archbishop said that while he has personal and professional ties with several prominent leaders, these do not translate into political endorsement by the Catholic Church. He said the role of the Church is to guide the spiritual wellbeing of all people, regardless of which political side they may support.

“The Catholic Church does not have a political party. We are neutral. Our role is to care for the spiritual wellbeing of all people regardless of political affiliation,” Archbishop Tui stated.

He said political parties had invited him to conduct services at campaign roadshows, but he turned down the requests. He added that he has directed clergy under his leadership to refrain from participating in political rallies to ensure the Church maintains its impartiality.

Archbishop Tui acknowledged his close personal connections with some political leaders, adding that, in a previous role, he often worked with political leaders to support education.

As Fr Mosese Tui, he was principal of Don Bosco Technical College in Apia from 1997 to 2006. He was later the founding principal of Don Bosco College in Salelologa from 2011 to 2017.

Last year, when he was the parish priest of St Paul’s Parish in Massey in West Auckland, Pope Francis appointed him as Archbishop of Samoa. He was previously appointed as parish priest at St Paul’s Massey and Ranui Parish, West Auckland in 2018.

Archbishop Tui’s message to the Catholic faithful and the wider public ahead of the election in Samoa was one of peace and respect. He said the Church’s hope was for a calm and fair election process that would strengthen national unity rather than deepen divisions. He said he would pray for peace.

Samoa went to the polls on August 29 after the collapse of the government of Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa in May, the ABC reported. Counting of votes was scheduled to begin on September 1 and run until September 5, before any results are announced.

According to the 2021 Samoan census, there are 36,096 Catholics in Samoa, making Catholicism the second-largest Christian denomination behind the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, with 55,411 adherents. Samoa’s total population as of last year was 205,557.

FULL STORY

Archbishop reaffirms political neutrality (By Bethel Peato-Ale/Samoa Observer)

Samoa votes in an election that will decide the fate of its first woman leader (ABC)

West Auckland parish priest Fr Mosese Tui SDB appointed Archbishop of Samoa-Apia (NZCBC)