The Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says in these times of uncertainties and suffering brought about by COVID-19, climate change and gender based and domestic violence, the Church proclaims the Christmas message of hope and joy.
Archbishop Chong says all these uncertainties are just some of the negative human experiences today that need Christ’s liberating work.
He says gender based violence, domestic violence and sexual abuse are serious crimes in Fiji and the world, and many women, girls and children carry the scars and wounds of violence.
Archbishop Chong says Christ is present in peoples’ sufferings because Christ suffers with us and he needs our cooperation.
He says Christmas reminds us that Christ was born as a vulnerable child and threatened by the colonial powers of King Herod.
Archbishop Chong also stresses that the problem with Christians is that they are not very open to the presence of Christ in other religions.
Archbishop Chong says the Fiji Council of Churches is embarking on a journey of fraternal solidarity with NGOs, vulnerable communities, the Vanua and Government to address social and ecological injustices, particularly, domestic violence, the destruction of our natural resources and the pandemic.
