Any religious activity conducted on school premises must respect the diversity of beliefs and family backgrounds while protecting the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of every student, says the Fiji Council of Churches.
FCC general secretary Reverend Sepiuta Hala’api’api said Christian ministry in schools must always be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s policies and approval processes.
His comments came after the circulation of a video on social media showing a foreign TikToker singling out a Muslim student during a religious discussion because of his faith.
Hala’api’api said Fiji had long-established and accountable programs for Christian Fellowship, school devotions and Religious Education delivered by trained and authorised organisations in partnership with school leaders and the Ministry of Education.
“As Fiji is a secular state, the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and protects all people from discrimination on religious grounds,” she said.
“These constitutional principles provide the framework for people of all faiths to live together in mutual respect while allowing faith communities to make positive contributions to society.”
While proclaiming the Gospel remained central to the church’s mission, Hala’api’api said “the manner in which it is proclaimed is equally important”.
“Evangelistic approaches that disregard these responsibilities risk undermining both the message of the Gospel and the trust placed in Christian ministry within schools.”
Hala’api’api said Fiji’s Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion and protected people from discrimination on religious grounds.
She said the FCC welcomed the ministry’s review and supported a transparent process to strengthen approval procedures, safeguarding expectations and accountability for Christian ministry in schools.
