Pastors warned

By Serafina Silaitoga
Fiji Times
August 22, 2015

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=318684

CHURCH pastors should confront and discuss with their members issues that affect society, including sexual-related cases.

Assemblies of God Church pastor Reverend Vilitati Ratotodro said it was time for such issues, particularly rape cases, to be discussed among church members.

Speaking to about 500 youths at the AOG church conference in Labasa, Mr Ratotodro said it was time for the truth to be confronted and dealt with by church leaders.

"It's about time pastors in the churches confront, head-on, the truth from the pulpit," he said.

"Many times we tend to ignore the truth because we want to refrain from punishing our relationship with people and forget the mere fact that we are not helping curb these growing problems.

"With the rise in cases of rape in the Northern Division, it is time that church pastors confront the truth and deal with it."

Mr Ratotodro told the youths to play a proactive role in protecting women and children and put a stop to any form of violence.

He said it was also the church's role to work with stakeholders in fighting against the rape and abuse against women and children.

He added it was imperative the communities and the church acted now to put a stop to cases of rape and abuse.

The youths gathered at the Evangel Temple church in Naodamu to close the week-long conference.