Catholic Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has called for a united response from Fiji’s Christian, Hindu, and Muslim communities to tackle the country’s growing drug problem.
Speaking on renewed efforts to address substance abuse, the Archbishop said faith groups represented a powerful force for prevention and social change.
He acknowledged that past collaboration between churches, the police and traditional leaders had been weak, but said renewed efforts were now underway.
The Fiji Council of Churches, which includes 13 Christian denominations, provides a foundation for stronger cooperation, Archbishop Loy Chong said.
He added that expanding collaboration to include Fiji’s Hindu and Muslim communities would cover 98 per cent of the population, creating a united front.
The Fiji Council of Churches, working with the police, will engage other religious groups to develop a shared approach focused on prevention, compassion, and community engagement.
“Tackling the drug crisis requires cooperation across faith groups, communities, and state agencies,” Archbishop Loy Chong said.
“Real progress depends on moving beyond dialogue to action at village and community levels.”
– Source: The Fiji Times click for full article