It was a night of unity as different faith groups came together in numbers last night to be part of the ecumenical Christmas carols hosted by the Fiji Council of Churches in collaboration with the High Commission of India at the Suva Civic Centre.
President of the Fiji Council of Churches, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says this is the first time they have come together as different Christian churches for a Christmas carol service.
He says the idea was to bring different churches together to form a choir, but he thinks this will take some time.
Archbishop Chong says one of the motives for organising this event is to bring back the real reason for celebrating Christmas.
He adds that in Fiji, we do not really put a lot of effort into celebrating the real reason for Christmas, and he thinks it is time that this is shown to people.
The Archbishop says shops are taking over the Christmas messaging through their sales.
He says they decided to bring churches together so they can tell the story of Christmas and highlight what is at the centre of Christmas.
He also acknowledged the support from the High Commission of India in Fiji and says it is a good way to build good religious relations and promote unity among the diversity of religions in Fiji.
High Commissioner of India to Fiji, Suneet Mehta says it is a historic and significant day, and they are very happy to partner with the Fiji Council of Churches to celebrate Christmas.
He says Christmas is a festival of great significance in our lives.
Mehta says he is looking forward to a wonderful Christmas celebration with the wider community.
He adds that the collaboration with the Fiji Council of Churches sends a message of unity and harmony, as people of different faiths come together to celebrate this important festival.
