In response to the growing impact of drug use and addiction across Fiji, the Fiji Council of Churches in partnership with the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Ministry of Policing and Communications and the Government of Fiji, will host a National Pastoral Response to Drugs Workshop.
The 2-day workshop aims to strengthen a unified and compassionate church response to drug-related issues.
It will bring together church leaders, pastoral workers, youth leaders, women in church leadership, community workers, health professionals and NGO partners.
It will focus on listening to lived experiences, analysing root causes, reflecting theologically and developing practical pastoral actions to address drug use and addiction in Fiji.
Key focus areas of the workshop include:
Understanding the realities and impacts of drug use in Fijian communities, social analysis of root causes and systemic drivers, theological reflection and spiritual discernment, developing concrete pastoral action plans and strengthening referral networks and partnerships.
Participants will leave the workshop with a shared understanding of the drug situation in Fiji and a 12-month pastoral action plan for their church or organisation.
The workshop will start on Tuesday at Studio 6 Conference Centre, 1–3 Walu Bay Street, Suva.