Archbishop's anti-violence letter
Archbishop Winston Halapua
| 21 Feb 2011
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Elimination of violence against women and children - beginning in our own Diocese.
For you O God have not despised or abhorred the poor in their affliction… but you have heard them when they called to you. Psalm 22:24
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called God’s children. Matthew 5: 7
Today within the Diocese of Polynesia we launch an initiative to combat violence - violence on our door steps, and within our homes.
Violence takes many forms. There is physical violence where wounds are seen, and there is the psychological and spiritual violence where wounds are deep and hidden.
Gender based violence happens in many parts of the world, and all but a small percentage of such violence is perpetrated by men on women.
This has devastating effects on individuals, on families and on society as a whole.
Such violence happens frequently in Fiji and in other Pacific nations embraced by our Diocese.
Domestic violence happens within homes, the place where, above all, there should be trust and safety.
Domestic violence happens within the households of our congregations and is sometimes supported by patriarchal attitudes and cultural acquiescence.
The Church needs to look to its structures and raise voices to address issues of gender based violence.
Its role is always to stand alongside those who are vulnerable and the victims of violence.
Women and children are being hurt within homes.
Yet each and every child is beautiful and unique in God’s eyes. Children’s rights to grow and develop as healthy happy human beings must be protected.
Sadly, children who are most vulnerable members of our communities are being abused within the home.
Today we express gratitude for all the groups within the community which work courageously addressing issues of violence in our communities.
Today we strengthen our commitment as a Diocese to work alongside such groups.
Today we strengthen our commitment to work alongside institutions like St Christopher’s Home and Dilkusha, which are setting out to help heal wounds perpetrated by violence, and the likes of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre which is healing wounds and raising voices.
The Very Revd Feremi Cama, Dean of Suva, is willing to take up the challenge of co-ordinating our venture as a Diocese towards the elimination of violence against women and children and the elimination of all forms of violence.
Elimination of Violence Workshops begin with the participation of clergy from Suva /Ovalau Archdeaconry. If you need more information please speak to the Dean.
God Bless you all,
Archbishop Winston
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