Nacola Claims Rights, PM Has Concerns

Ihave the right to choose my religion, says Timoci Nacola. The leader of Reclaiming our Spirituality, Knowing Ourselves (Na Lotu Vanua) was responding to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s concerns about the broadcasting of his interview on the state broadcaster Fijian Broadcasting Corporation. Mr Bainimarama said the comments made by Mr Nacola in his teachings have no basis of being true.

Mr Bainimarama said comments that were made by Mr Nacola in the preview of television show were disturbing whereby he claimed that Jesus was born in Fiji. He questioned this theory and said this information had no basis at all and it would only fuel a lot of confusion to the general public. They could cause problems between Fijians. Mr Bainimarama’s concerns were supported by New Methodist leader.

Mr Nacola’s pre-recorded interview with the FBC TV was supposed to be aired today at 6.30pm. While speaking during a Talanoa session at Nayavu, Wainibuka on Friday Mr Bainimarama addressed the crowd and a group that was led by Mr Nacola who claimed to be conducting spiritual movements around the country. Mr Nacola in his response said there was a section in the Constitution that gives him his right to freedom of religion.

He said Fiji was a secular state and everyone had their right to choose who they wanted to worship.

Hence, now he has to question the law if secularism applies to only some and not all.

He added that he understood it would be hard for some people to understand him since everyone was brought up in a belief they were used to.

Mr Nacola said his liberation was not going against the Government but they were trying to free people whom he claimed are being spiritually imprisoned.

He said if that was the decision of the Prime Minister then so be it.

Mr Bainimarama said: “They are moving around the country claiming to be a form of religious group but I do not understand the basis that they base their group on.

“Beware of the type of information you receive and do not be moved with the misinformation that is going around in our midst.” Mr Bainimarama said Fijians in the rural communities were always vulnerable in terms of accepting misinformation that were spread by such groups.

“Be firm in your faith and never be moved by such misinformation,” he said.

Comments by other religious leaders:

New Methodist Fellowship senior pastor Atunaisa Vulaono says he supported the decision made by Mr Bainimarama.

Methodist Church of Fiji president Reverend Epineri Vakadewavosa said religion should bring people together no matter what denomination a person is from.

Rev Vakadewavosa added that religion should not bring hate among each other.