POLITICAL leaders need to humble themselves and embrace their vulnerability, says head of the Catholic Church Archbishop Peter Loy Chong.
He made these remarks when asked what he thought of the recent photos and videos on social media showing former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka where they shared a handshake and a hug.
The duo, known to be political rivals and for their harsh criticism of each’s leadership style, were attending the welcome back ceremony held for Republic of Fiji Military Forces soldiers who returned from Iraq.
Archbishop Loy Chong says such acts should remind every leader that they too are the ‘beloved of God’.
Similar photos were also taken at the State House between former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu during a cocktail event later that evening.
“When we believe in the unconditional love of God, then I will love myself, love others with the same love. We can heal past wounds and division.”
Archbishop Loy Chong said brokenness and humility were characters of a true leader.
“Our leaders need to humble themselves, need to embrace their vulnerability, embrace their brokenness then they can experience the love of God,” he said.
“Good leaders who are guided by God must crush their egos, embrace their vulnerability, believe in God’s unconditional love. They can then love the people they serve. They need to hear these words; ‘I am the beloved of God’.”
This, he said was the foundation of the true self.
“The indispensable condition for developing and maintaining the awareness of our beloved-ness is time alone with God.”
