IN a landmark show of unity, churches across Fiji have committed to tackling the nation’s escalating drug crisis, pledging a compassionate and coordinated response alongside government authorities.
The commitment was formalised at the National Ecumenical Workshop on a Pastoral Response to Drugs, hosted by the Fiji Council of Churches in Suva, where faith leaders and government officials joined forces in what they described as “a tough, tough, tough fight.”
A joint statement adopted by the gathered denominations declared the crisis to be “more than a ‘crime problem’—it is a complex health, social, spiritual, and cultural emergency that threatens belonging, identity, and hope.”
A directive for unity and action
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua, speaking candidly at the workshop, said his participation was unexpected but necessary.
“This is an ambush. I was not expecting to make a remark, but I see this as a directive from the Fiji Council of Churches and I’ve accepted it,” he said.
“Much has been achieved over the last two days. I have sat at the back and observed your engagement and presentations. I stand this afternoon on behalf of government to sincerely say thank you. This is not an easy subject—it is a tough one, and the work ahead will be even tougher.”
He praised the churches’ strengths in addressing the crisis, saying they were already well positioned.
“The church, in our view, is already weaponised. You are structured, organised, and well led. More importantly, you are connected to where things are happening—you feel the heartbeat on the ground,” he said.
“Above all, your arsenal is a heart of love. I believe that is a key component of the work ahead.”
Fighting at the front line
Minister Naivalurua urged faith leaders to remain united and vigilant.
“This battle needs to be fought at the front line. A key part of fighting at the front is being alert, courageous, and standing firm—because if you fall, your home, your family, your village is taken over,” he said.
Drawing on an example from Indonesia, he shared how communities in Bali had taken responsibility for protecting their families and neighbourhoods.
“They look after their business, their women, their children—and keep their streets and homes clean,” he said.
“The key question for us is whether we, here in Fiji, can take responsibility for looking after our homes, families, and children—not just for today, but for the future.”
He emphasised the importance of duavata, the Fijian principle of unity.
“Duavata has two key components: good relationships and working together. Without unity in this fight, it becomes much tougher—if not impossible. I ask and pray that we remain one.”
A compassionate, holistic response
The churches’ statement outlined pastoral, practical, and prophetic commitments to address the crisis.
Leaders pledged to “resist shaming and language that dehumanises people who use drugs,” and to embody a Good Samaritan approach— “staying present, listening without judgement, walking with families, and helping people take their next safe step toward care.”
They also committed to creating confidential, non-judgemental pathways for support, referral, and follow-up to break the culture of silence, shame, and fear.
Acknowledging the limits of enforcement alone, the churches endorsed a balanced response—described as “black gloves and white gloves”—where prevention, early intervention, healing, and family strengthening stand alongside law enforcement.
The strategy includes investing in prevention in schools and communities, supporting credible treatment and rehabilitation services, and strengthening aftercare.
“We affirm that enforcement matters, but enforcement alone cannot heal a nation,” the statement said. “We commit to a unified, compassionate, trauma-informed response that turns prayer into presence and faith into faithful action.”
To ensure sustained impact, the churches agreed to hold annual days of prayer and awareness, maintain regular briefings with police and health authorities. Each church will also develop a local action plan and uphold strict standards of confidentiality and safe-church practice.
Minister Naivalurua closed with a call for continued collaboration.
“The government is committed to working with you. The key is our ability to stay together. Every step and every action counts in looking after our young men and women and keeping our home safe,” he said.
The gathering concluded with a shared prayer for courage and compassion, calling for churches to become places of refuge, truth, and healing.