Respect religion of others, says Chief Justice Gates
Chief Justice Anthony Gates has advised new lawyers to demonstrate their tolerance and respect for the religion of others.
He was speaking at the Admissions Ceremony for the newly admitted 20 legal practitioners at the Suva High Court yesterday.
“You should not be heard to vilify persons of a different race or religion to yourself.
“In Fiji, religious festivals bring us together. They are colourful friendly and inclusive.
“That is what we want for Fiji. “It is a special quality and we must not sully it,” Chief Justice Gates said.
He said to the lawyers: “As a lawyer, you could have a favourable leadership role to play in your communities albeit a quiet one.”
He said recently it had been disappointing to learn of the desecration of temples.
He said sometimes the break-ins were for the stealing of money left by worshippers, sometimes it was done maliciously to destroy holy objects.
“Recently a Christian denomination had its church and office broken into.
“The monies are one thing, but the sacrilegious disrespect for other people’s religions, for their churches, mandirs, mosques, is hard to bear.” He said achievement brought with it greater responsibility. “I hope you remain humble, and that you treat the people you will now encounter in practice, court staff, media, witnesses and fellow counsel with due courtesy and respect. Respect begets respect.
He told the lawyers, “Never forget those significant persons in your life who helped to lift you up and keep you going. Never forget a good turn.
“Some of those persons were selfless in their support, their encouragement, or the mentoring they extended to you, and they deserve your thanks,” Chief Justice Gates said.