Faith leaders must do more to confront the growing threats of drugs, HIV, online hate and racial division, says Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran.
Speaking at the Interfaith Search Fiji dialogue on social cohesion, community building and faith-based climate and disaster response at the Sacred Heart Cathedral conference room in Suva on Wednesday night, Ms Kiran urged religious leaders to use their influence to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen social cohesion.
“I plead with you to expand that focus to the other quiet calamities threatening our social fabric: the rise of drugs, HIV, and the challenges that come with digital devices entering our homes,” she said.
Ms Kiran said faith leaders had a unique position because of the trust they commanded within communities.
“Faith leaders possess the moral authority to challenge harmful narratives, correct misinformation, and help people recognise the shared humanity in those who look, speak, or worship differently.”
She also warned against the misuse of social media to fuel division.
“I urge you to encourage your congregations not to engage in online vitriol, and to refuse to validate the stereotypes and racial divides that play out across digital platforms,” she added.
The dialogue brought together representatives from various faiths and denominations, as well as representatives of the United Nations and United Nations Development Programme.
Ms Kiran said Fiji’s reconciliation process could not be left to one government agency.
“It must be lived and breathed in our daily lives – in our homes, schools, workplaces, villages, settlements, and places of worship.”
