60 leaders from various faith based organisations in Fiji gathered to hold indepth discussions on national reconciliation over 3 days last week.
Jointly organised by the Fiji Council of Churches and the Pacific Conference of Churches, the Faith Leaders Dialogue on National Reconciliation drew together spiritual leaders from different faith groups around the country.
The group met to have a deep dialogue on developing an understanding of reconciliation, truth telling, forgiveness, and healing and the areas in which faith communities can minister on the national level and within the communities they serve.
Reverend Sepiuta Hala’api’api, from the Fiji Council of Churches said the meeting was timely and of utmost importance to help Fiji move forward through challenging times.
“The process was very unique for faith-based leaders, getting together, praying together, listening, and discerning what the spirit was saying through each one of us. And this is how could see that we even though we are of different faiths, we have a common goal for our nation and especially with truth telling trauma healing and with reconciliation process.”
Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said the meeting also opened up discussions on pressing national issues like HIV/AIDS.
“Although the gathering was closed to the general public and media for a safe space for dialogue, the outcomes of the gathering will be presented in the next two weeks.”
