‘Some church using immature theology’
STOP taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation and stop spreading misinformation about the virus, COVID-safe measures and vaccines. This is the plea from the Pacific Conference of Churches to Christian leaders across the region.
“Over the past few months, some church communities are using immature or undeveloped theology to play to the fears and anxieties of the community,” said general secretary the Rev James Bhagwan.
“In particular, some are manipulating theology, for example, on the supreme authority of God and telling their congregations that following COVID-19 prevention protocols such as physical distancing, maintaining bubbles, wearing masks, and taking the vaccine is like saying ‘I don’t have faith and
I’m not holy’.
“The impact of COVID-19 has severely impacted the social and economic situation in Fiji.”
Mr Bhagwan said mental health issues related to lockdowns, uncertainty, lack of economic empowerment, violence in the home and community and children missing out on education et cetera.
“Christianity calls us to demonstrate our faith in God through love, compassion and care for one another and in particular the least among us.
“We also note that there are many rumours on social media based on images, videos taken out of context and incorrect or fake news which is being spread within the Christian community.
“Some of this is based on a growing mistrust of the Government and is being expressed in religious language, particularly by some who believe that they are part of the fight of good versus evil.
“Those who are feeding fear into the community, have an incentive to keep stoking that fear because people keep clicking on these posts, and people keep listening.
“Social media has made it easy to amplify vaccine misinformation and active disinformation - calling the virus a hoax, saying that masking was a sign of fear, that the vaccine was a ‘mark of the beast’ or that it would ruin our immune systems, and suggesting the virus is a cover-up for billionaire Bill Gates to implant traceable microchips into people.”
Mr Bhagwan said Christians should take their cue from the leaders of the Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches who have all been vaccinated.