As Fiji undertakes a nationwide review of its Constitution, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraging citizens and policymakers to preserve and strengthen constitutional protections that safeguard religious freedom for all people.
Fiji's Constitution Review Commission is currently conducting consultations across the country as part of a process designed to gather public input on the nation's supreme law. The review is expected to inform recommendations to Parliament later this year.
Worldwide leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Dallin H. Oaks, has spoken on religious freedom for decades. Last year, speaking to students and faculty at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, President Oaks said, “We must strive for mutual understanding and treat all with goodwill. We must exercise patience. We should all speak out for religion and the importance of religious freedom. We must, above all, trust in God and His promises.”
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, who is from Fiji, will become the Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 August. He said on Monday 27 July that religious freedom is one of the most important rights protected in any democratic society.
DOWNLOAD"Religious freedom is not just a right for people of faith. It is a right for every citizen. It includes the freedom to worship, the freedom not to worship, and the freedom for people of different beliefs to live together with mutual respect and dignity."
Elder Wakolo said Fiji's long history of religious diversity has been one of the nation's strengths and has contributed to social harmony and community service across many generations.
"People of many faith traditions have helped build Fiji. They serve their neighbours, strengthen families, care for the vulnerable, and contribute to the wellbeing of our nation. Constitutional protections that allow people to live according to their sincerely held beliefs should be carefully preserved."
Elder Wakolo noted that constitutional protections for freedom of religion help create a society where individuals and communities can contribute freely to the common good. Such protections benefit not only religious organizations but society as a whole.
The comments come as public discussion has included proposals related to Fiji's constitutional framework, including issues surrounding the Bill of Rights, freedom of religion, and the relationship between religion and the state.
Elder Wakolo emphasized that religious freedom should be defended equally for all faiths and belief systems.
"The measure of religious freedom is not how well it protects the majority. It is how well it protects everyone. A just and peaceful society ensures that people of every faith, and those of no faith, are treated equally under the law."
He said constitutional protections should promote mutual understanding and respect among all communities.
"We can hold different beliefs while still being united as citizens. Religious freedom creates space for respectful dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. These principles have served Fiji well and should continue to guide our future."
"Religious freedom flourishes when people protect the rights of others as carefully as they protect their own," Elder Wakolo said. "That principle is essential to the future of Fiji and to the wellbeing of all its people."
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has consistently supported religious freedom around the world and works with governments, faith communities, and civil society organizations to promote freedom of belief, conscience, and worship.
As Fiji continues its constitutional review process, Church leaders are encouraging members and all citizens to participate respectfully, engage constructively in public discussions, and seek outcomes that strengthen national unity while protecting fundamental rights and freedoms.
About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fiji
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been established in Fiji for more than 70 years. Today, tens of thousands of Latter-day Saints worship in congregations throughout the country and participate in community service, humanitarian assistance, family history, education, and youth development initiatives.
Together with other Christians, Latter-day Saints seek to follow God’s commandments, including the Saviour’s teaching:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
— Matthew 22:37–39