Fiji Council of Churches President and Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has challenged church leaders to look beyond judgement and stigma and recognise the deeper issues of loneliness, despair and social disconnection that often contribute to addiction.
Speaking at the National Pastoral Response to Addressing the Drug Crisis in Fiji at Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour, Archbishop Chong issued a united call to action on the nation's drug crisis, urging churches, communities and Government to move from covenant to living practice and co-create safe sanctuaries across Fiji.
Delegates from across Fiji's Christian traditions and faith-based organisations gathered under the theme "From Covenant to Living Practice: Discerning, Healing, and Co-Creating Safe Sanctuaries Across Fiji".
He says that through prayer, spiritual conversations and group discussions, participants developed recommendations across four key areas: strengthening church-based pastoral care, supporting families and youth, building partnerships with health and community stakeholders, and advocating for greater action from Government and society.
The Council identified trauma, family breakdown and social isolation as underlying causes of the drug epidemic, rejecting purely punitive measures in favour of a pastoral, community-led approach.
The Council has also outlined a new 12-month action plan focusing on four key pillars:
Intervention: Placing trained "Pastors Companions" in every parish.
Prevention: Establishing safe spaces and support systems for youth.
Collaboration: Formalising partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Fiji Police.
Advocacy: Addressing systemic poverty and corruption fuelling the drug trade.
The Council says the Church is not a museum for saints but a field hospital for the wounded, urging immediate and unified action across all sectors of society.
