Procession with their faith symbols - Photo: Pescila Magdalin
The Fiji Parliament has passed the motion to establish a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to help remove the division between the two main communities that have co-existed since well before Independence. I was privileged to be part of the Truth and Reconciliation Prayer Breakfast service organized by the Fiji Council of Churches. Religious leaders and representatives from faith communities processed in with their faith symbols and prayed together to journey towards true unity and continue to build a better Fiji for our generations to come.
In attendance were the Pacific Conference of Churches, Archdiocese of Suva, U.S Embassy, Honorable Members of Parliament, CSO/Development Partners, and Faith Leaders from various faiths here in Suva. The faith groups participated were from the Fiji Muslim League, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Salvation Army, LDS, Sikh and Hare Krishna organization, Shri Sanatan Dharm, Pentecostal, Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic Church. A multifaith prayer litany of Gratitude for the religions of the world was read out for unity as one community of joy, hope, love, and peace.
A sermon was offered by His Grace Peter Loy Chong relayed his experience growing up in the turbulent times in the decade just before Fiji reclaimed Independence. All faiths would play role to be any real transformation, as reconciliation is more a spirituality rather than strategy.
A moment of silence was observed by the congregation, followed by Peace and Reconciliation greetings to extend a sign of peace to each other.
The program concluded with the breakfast where everyone enjoyed with open hearts and minds in this journey towards true unity.
Pescila Magdalin
Interreligious Dialogue Coordinator
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