FORCING people to adopt the “Christian” identity by naming Fiji a “Christian state” goes against the very principles of Christianity.
This was shared by 15-year-old St Joseph Secondary School student, Hosanna Waqairapoa, who told the Special Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill that Christianity required people to embrace the faith of their own free will, rather than through legislation.
She said Clause 1(a) of the draft constitution, which describes Fiji as a sovereign democratic State founded on the values of Christianity and family values, reflected principles that could benefit all Fijians.
“The most important value of Christianity is to love the Lord, with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love your neighbour as you love yourself,” she said.
“People who practise these values will act in the best interests of others and avoid causing harm.”
She also emphasised the importance of family values in protecting children, saying many suffered because they were not adequately cared for or protected.
“Practicing Christian principles and family values does not stop non-Christians from following their own religion.”
Instead, she said, these principles encouraged mutual respect, care and love among people, including for all children in Fiji.
“As a Christian, I do not believe that it makes any sense to force anyone to adopt Christianity as a state religion when one does not want to be a Christian.”
She argued that compelling people to become Christians through law would contradict the faith itself.
Hosanna said genuine Christianity required individuals to repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour voluntarily.
