Page 9 - IB APR 2017

Abuse

raised professional standards groups
which handle complaints about errant
‘ church, it is priests and church workers.
... For the
At least two Fiji priests have been
defrocked – evidence of the Vatican’s
new no-nonsense stand on sexual
the divine act abuse by those who can influence the
congregation.
Universally the Catholic church has
of submission seen more sexual abuse cases than any
that seals one’s other religious organisation because of
its size, the veil of secrecy which has
faith. It means constantly surrounded the institution
and the often blind allegiance of its
giving all ... followers.
Fijian psychologist, Selina Kuruleca,
articulated on the need for extensive
mind and soul training for church counsellors, the
inclusion of awareness programs for
... both ministers and their patrons and
the respect for human rights.
Kuruleca believes the lack of profes-
sional training to be able to detect and
O’Connor said that while the church deal with physical attraction and the
heart body, ‘
served its purpose of rehabilitating early stage of sexual approaches has led
people, it remained open to attack from to the rise in misconduct with religious
within. institutions.
“Demonic energies do not enter the “The need for awareness programs
vicinity of churches in dark forms. It is on methods to contain this problem for
enshrined in a form of heavenly appear- both, the pastors and patrons is vital
ance as any pastor,” he said. among churches in Fiji today,” Kuru-
“That is why it’s so difficult to detect leca said.
sinful acts committed by pastors who are The problem is so serious that she
revered in church until someone blows wants to start an initiative which will
the whistle. Never lose concentration, address the issues surrounding the use
nor stray from disciplinary measures to of power to control people, learning to
keep you within the boundaries of your respect, care and never take advantage
two of the accused were pastors. designated duties at all times.”
But it must be pointed out that abu- O’Connor sees the second problem as of others.
sive pastors do not only take physical submission of people – not to God – but “Untrained counsellors miss lots of
advantage of their victims. to the church or religion. things because they don’t know what
Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pas- Like any institution, religions de- they’re looking for in the first place,”
tor, Eseroma O’Connor, identified two manded allegiance, endurance, loy- Kuruleca said.
reasons for the increase in sexual abuse alty, devotion and commitment from its She said the need for the profes-
within Fiji’s churches. members. sional exchange of ideas and experience
The first would be a belief, as old “For the church, it is the divine act among counsellors was crucial to protect
as the country’s history of religion it- of submission that seals one’s faith. It all stakeholders.
self - that a religious minister’s place means, giving all to the work of religion, And what about church involvement?
on earth, under the heavenly order it heart body, soul and mind.” “Continue to believe and serve God
represents, would be the equivalent to And that is where the vulnerable fall faithfully, and do not for a moment
the archangels. prey to pastors who twist words and accept that it is OK for your church
That is they are messengers of God teachings for their own sexual gratifi- minister or someone in authority should
who cannot and must not be challenged cation. be allowed to take advantage of you,”
or questioned by believers. Catholic Church Archbishop Peter Loy Kuruleca said.
“From the numbers of unmonitored Chong echoed similar sentiments in The “Despite all that can be done, it boils
churches now operating on Fiji today, Fiji Times in 2015. down to the phrase - That we practice
there is a need for people to be alert “The only advice now is for churches what we preach or the current statistics
and to question anything suspicious, to have stricter guidelines because pas- of rape within the church today will be
no matter who it comes from,” Pastor tors have certain amount of powers over just the tip of the iceberg.”
O’Connor said. their congregation,” Chong said in a call
“When you’re suspicious, seek coun- for churches to tighten up discipline.
selling or advice from two or more In line with orders from Pope Francis OPINION
sources. Do not take a person’s advice – head of the Roman Catholic Church –
for granted.” Chong and other Pacific bishops have GOD IS DEAD P36-37

Islands Business, April 2017 9