By Tupuola Terry Tavita

The Pacific Conference of Churches this morning gathered for its 50^th anniversary at the Malua Theological College where it all began.

Delivering a pointed keynote address, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi restated the PCC’s role in the region and its people.

“The focus of the Christian churches around the world and in our region is to strengthen and invigorate the religious and spiritual lives of our people.�?

With the commemoration of its 50 years in existence, the Prime Minister challenged, “it is obviously also the time to reflect on the achievements of the PCC around the Pacific.�?

“I firmly believe that a strong Christian and spiritual upbringing would be indispensable in helping communities live in harmony.�?

With cutting-edge communications technology of the day where images and information can be beamed instantly throughout the world, it also brings with it a set of challenges.

“Many have used this technology to incite conflict and to prey on our most young and vulnerable in an insidious sexual manner.�?

The Prime Minister said the Church plays a crucial role in addressing and overcoming these challenges by strengthening people’s and society’s moral fibre.

FIJI

The Conference, added,  should also play and vocal role in the political turmoil in Fiji.

“The military regime still rule by decree and the Public Emergency Regulations which continue to restrict human rights may have also impacted on representation from Fiji to your own gathering here today.�?

The Prime Minister said he joined the Conference in their prayers and voice “in trying to help the church leaders and people in Fiji to remain strong in their faith during this very sad period that their country is going through.�?

“I strongly believe that the religious work and the power of the church is of immense value in helping the people of Fiji in this difficult time and in making the military regime see the error of their ways and restore the fundamental human rights of the people of Fiji and return that country to democratic rule.�?

He concluded;

“In recognition of the importance of religious faith and spiritual strength in bringing about peace and harmony, it has often been remarked that conflict exists because only a few believe in the power of prayer with most believing in the power of the gun. The day when most believe in the power of prayer is the day when all wars and conflicts would be no more.�?

The week-long summit and celebrations was opened this morning with a church service at the Malua Centennial Church led by EFKS chairman, Rev. Elder Lale Ieremia. It was followed by a traditional ava ceremony at the MALUA Fale Samoa to officially welcome the Conference’s numerous delegates from around the region.

Also in attendance was his Highness the Head Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and his wife Filifilia and French Polynesia’s president Hon. Oscar Temaru.

MALUA

The first meeting of Pacific Church Leaders took place at the Malua Theological College, Samoa in 1961. It resulted in the establishment of the PCC.

The Pacific Conference of Churches is the Regional Ecumenical Organisation representing the churches at all levels in the Pacific region.

It seeks the visible unity of the Church on issues of justice, peace and integrity of creation, initiatives on capacity building, and solidarity of its members during times of natural disasters and internal social upheavals

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