Why We Need To Speak Out On Sex Crimes, Church Told
Agathering in Suva has been told that the notion that sex is a taboo subject for discussion in our communities must change. And retired Methodist Church pastor, Reverend Atunaisa Vukialau, says parents have to talk openly with their children when it comes to sex because things are changing and everything starts at home.
During the Methodist Church annual general meeting at the Centenary Church in Suva yesterday, Reverend Vukialau said rape was a major concern in Fiji.
“There are a lot of disgusting issues that need to be addressed. Elderly men are raping their daughters and grand-daughters. Sons are raping their sisters and mothers. There are a lot of issues such as this because God is not present,” he said.
“Fiji is in a stage where rape is a major concern. Our pastors are to be taught and encouraged to visit homes and talk freely. I have known the good thing about visiting people at their homes.
“When we visit homes we are doing our duty and that is what we are called to do.”
Assistant general-secretary of the Methodist Church Jeremaia Waqainabete said parents should talk to their children about sex.
“We have identified that some of the weaknesses of the church concerning the teachings of this because the issue of sex has been a taboo and that is one way that the church needs to enlighten our church workers,” he said.
“The theological understanding of our sexuality where we can really grasp the essence of who we are in terms of our gender as part of God’s creation and God’s gift to each individual and how can that be appreciated by the individuals.
“We are also coming up in that line of thinking that we are trying to enlighten our theological students and workers who will be serving the grassroots people to help them embrace that it is part of God’s gift to human beings and we have to see the dignity of that. “That is the way we are going about it in the moment and that is to enlighten our church members on the fact that our sexuality is our gift to us.
“We need to discuss and converse this issue in the light rather than allowing our children to learn of these things outside of our homes.
“This is one of the things we have been trying to bring forth to disseminate this important issue.
“If we educate our children about sex then I believe the cases of rape in Fiji will drop and therefore there is a need for parents to talk to their children about this. “I believe that when we are enlightened we are aware of the fact that when we accept that sex is part of God’s gift it will take a different light and recognise and respect,” Reverend Waqainabete said.