Religious groups need not work in isolation in the fight against Fiji’s drug crisis.
This was the message from Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) general director for religious affairs, Helen Kim, after the organisation hosted a peace dialogue in Fiji involving leaders from different faith groups, including Christian, Hindu, Muslim and other religious communities.
Speaking to this newspaper, Ms Kim said faith-based organisations had strong influence within communities and could play an important role in addressing social issues such as drugs and HIV.
“We just convened the One Fiji Peace Dialogue for unity and reconciliation which brought faith-based leaders from all the religions in Fiji,” she said.
“Everyone talked about this social issue, HIV, drug issues.”
Ms Kim said HWPL could not reach communities as deeply as local faith groups could, but the organisation could help unite those already working on the ground.
She said youth groups also held discussions on a proposed “Say No to Drugs” project, with activities expected to begin next month.
“They had a brainstorming about Say No to Drug project, and how we can reduce it, what we can do together.”
“But what we can do, every church and every pastor and people are trying to stop these things on their own way. Why don’t we just gather together and have those discussions.
“That is one of our goals, but we’re going to that point step by step. So firstly, bring them together, and let them listen, and then after that, we can work together.”
