Church’s Political Intention Could Open Floodgates to Religious Involvement in Poll
Under our secular state, churches are free to exercise this right within the bounds of the law
Eleventh Hour Ministry’s expression of interest to contest the election could open the floodgates to more religious involvement in politics.
The Christian denomination’s plan will test the political environment, particularly the view that churches should stay out of politics.
There is nothing in the law that forbids religious organisations from engaging in politics, even forming a party to contest an election.
It’s a basic right. Under our secular state, churches are free to exercise this right within the bounds of the law.
They can practise their religion as long as they do not coerce others.
If their religious belief dictates that they can take it to the political arena, they are entitled to do it.
Just as some churches have business arms, they can also have political arms.
All these arms operate on different sets of rules.
Constitution
Under our 2013 Constitution, even atheists (those who do not believe in God) have a right.
But is it morally right for a church to be involved in politics and form a political party given the fact that it wields power and influence over its members?
It’s a debate that will continue. Archbishop Peter Long Choy, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in Fiji and president of the Fiji Council of Churches president has fired the first volley.
He said church ministers should not get involved in party politics.
Their role, he added, was to educate members to exercise their rights responsibly and make their choices at the ballot box.
It’s clear that he is opposed to churches participating in party politics.
But where do we draw the line when churches want to state their positions on sensitive, controversial issues that they hold dear to their hearts like abortion, racism, discrimination, equality etc.
Forming a political party is a big leap of faith. Some of the issues they would not normally address can be dealt with on the political front.
When it comes to religious literature it would be difficult to stick to the script when the church has a political arm.
A rollercoaster ride is envisaged trying to find harmony and consistency between the political and the religious scripts.
Pastor Tuiloma Tawaivuna said their proposed party, All People’s Party, would benefit all religions. He still needs to spell out how they would achieve it.