Anglican Communion News Service

Church leaders have distanced themselves from the attempt to overthrow the government in Fiji. The coup attempt, which began on 19 May, was rejected by the president of the Fijian Methodist Church, Tomasi Kanailagi, who called on members to "pray for the nation and refrain from illegal activities, which are against what Christianity stood for."

The Rt Revd Jabez Bryce, the Anglican Bishop of Polynesia stated that "in our democratic society there are legitimate ways to express disapproval. Those avenues have not been exhausted."

There are deep ethnic divisions in Fiji, which have been highlighted by this coup attempt. Roughly 50% of the citizens are indigenous Fijians, 45% are of Indian origin, and 5% from other ethnic backgrounds, including European and Chinese. Just over half of the population are Christians, 38% Hindu and 8% Muslim. Many Fijians, including Christians, have expressed horror at the violence surrounding the coup, which has included looting and street fighting.

Interfaith Search Fiji is an interfaith body with 16 member organisations, which is roughly one third each Christian, Hindu and Muslim. It expressed support for the president of Fiji, declaring in a statement, "The tragic events of the past weekend have made us aware of the need to build better bridges of respect and understanding between the different sections of our diverse peoples . . . In the culture of our peoples it is the custom to sit down and listen to one another . . . At this time we humbly beg all our peoples, from whatever walk of life, but especially those in positions of authority and power, and those involved in this present situation, to listen to one another with respect and understanding."

"We need to examine ourselves to see how much responsibility for the present state of affairs lies within us," said Bishop Jabez Bryce. "Have we been concerned to right injustices that others suffer, to free ourselves of selfishness?"

Item from: Ecumenical News International