LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

In the face of the political crisis in Fiji, there is a growing chorus of opinion that the leaders of the Methodist Church are unfit to lead, that by complying with instructions from the Bainimarama junta concerning the annual conference, they are guilty of the dereliction of their duty. Others have expressed the view that the Methodist leadership has lost the courage and zeal of the early missionaries, that they should disregard the directives from government and turn instead to conducting spontaneous protest marches.

While agreeing with the notion that we need to return to democratic rule at the earliest opportunity, it is sad that Church leaders are being singled out as being ineffective on the one hand and are being persecuted on the other for their democratic stance. While the President, General Secretary, and senior Ministers of the Church were being dragged into the military camp and to the Police cells for interrogation, and are currently facing court action and a possible jail sentence, except for a very few, there is hardly a whimper of support from supporters of democracy in Fiji.

While people have a right to express their opinion, it is important to bear in mind that those who are committed to democratic principles should hold dearly the values of tolerance, cooperation and compromise. Mahatma Gandhi said "intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Further, although it may be legally correct to adopt a non-conciliatory attitude to the military regime currently in power, the Church as the body of Christ follows the teaching of Jesus of "loving its enemy" and "overcoming evil with good." In following government's directive, it is quite plain that rather than giving recognition to the government declared illegal by the Appeals Court last April, the Methodist Church leaders are merely abiding by the commandment to "do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Above all else, the Church has to ensure peace within the community. As for protest marches and civil protests, the Church leaders have already done their bits for which they are facing court action; perhaps it's time for our democracy champions to take up the challenge.

Simon the Zealot

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Epi.D
SWM
www.solivakasama.org