The Methodist Church of Fiji has condemned the Minister for Women and Children’s call for the death penalty on those who traffic in excessive amounts of drugs.
The church has joined other organisations in their criticism of Lynda Tabuya’s suggestion that traffickers ought to be dealt the death penalty.
The secretary of the church’s evangelism department, Reverend Iliesa Koroi, who also works closely with youths, said he does not support the minister’s call for such an inhumane act.
He said people could be rehabilitated while they are still alive.
“Despite our many sins, Jesus continues to love us,” Mr Koroi said.
“He died so that we can live. I don’t agree with what the minister is stating.”
Mr Koroi said people involved in illegal activities could still be saved to tread the right path, but if the death penalty is applied, they will never get the opportunity to turn their lives around.
He said that would be blood on the minister’s hand.
“The book of Ezekiel, chapter three verse 18 says: ‘When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die’, and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sins, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.
“The individual can still be saved, giving him a chance to repent so that he or she may learn from his mistake.
“If that death penalty is implemented, once he dies, he dies along with his sin.
“And the minister will be accountable because she asked for it, proposing it to the lawmakers.”
