An Update on the Archdiocese of Suva’s COVID-19 Response 14th June, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Archdiocese of Suva,

On 28^th May I consulted our Episcopal Vicars on our pastoral response to the COVID-19 Second Wave. The recommendations were included in my pastoral letter:

COVID-19 SECOND WAVE RESPONSE, (1^ST June.)

1. As a Christian community, everyone is responsible for stopping the spread of coronavirus. We cannot rely only on the government and medical teams, rather every citizen must take responsibility. We follow COVID-19 protocols because we are responsible people: stay at home, wash and sanitize hands, keep social distance, wear your mask, and get vaccinated.
2. As community in the image of the Trinity, we must help those who are suffering because of the virus and the economic crises.
3. We pray because we believe that God is working even in dark and crooked moments in our lives. We are not alone. God is with us till the end of time. We encourage families to use the LOOK LISTEN LOVE GOSPEL SHARING METHOD. This is available on the Archdiocese of Suva Facebook. Some SCCs are doing bible sharing on Messenger and ZOOM.
4. We recommend that Catholic Schools use the LOOK LISTEN LOVE method first to help teachers return to school and then help students as well.
5. We are posting on the Archdiocese of Suva Facebook some parental guidance for an attentive listening to children.

I sincerely thank all priests who are celebrating Livestream Masses. As Pope Francis said, this is a good way of reaching out to the faithful given the social restrictions. May I remind priests that Livestream Masses should include only those in the presbytery bubble. Please avoid inviting others to the Livestream Mass. Churches will remain closed. Religious restrictions are only temporary so I ask for everyone’s patience.

I thank parish priests and parishes who distributed food rations to those in need. The Archdiocese will distribute food rations in Nadi and Lautoka. The Archdiocese will also join hands with Our Lady of Fatima and St John Bosco for food distributions this week in the Nadera and Makoi area.

Last week, as president of the Fiji Council of Churches (FCC) I called a meeting to discuss FCC’s COVID-19 response. FCC also had a zoom meeting with the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Ifereimi Waqanibete, Dr James Fong and Dr Jemesa Tudravu. The above meetings will clarify the Churches’ pastoral responses. Below is a summary of the meeting and some recommendations for Churches.

A Reflection of the FCC meeting with Hon. Minister of Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqanibete, Dr. James Fong and Dr. Jemesa Tudravu

The Fiji Ministry of Health (MOH) faces a dilemma as it tries to stop COVID-19. The dilemma is between stopping coronavirus and keeping the economy.

An Update on COVID-19 by Dr Jemesa Tudravu

• Continued Increase in new COVID -19 cases
• Some health workers are getting infected while carrying out their duties
• Some Public Health facilities are unable to carry out their services due to COVID-19 infections
• Ministry of health fears that she will find it difficult to respond effectively if the current trend continues
• Ministry of Health is concerned with fake news and misinformation on COVID-19 vaccination
• The Vanua customs and gatherings are not following COVID-19 regulations

Dr James Fong’s Update

• Lockdown is a negative response that will affect the already poor communities
• Lockdown and the Economy: Fiji’s economy is weak and we cannot afford to go on a lockdown.
• Lockdown does not guarantee the eradication of the virus because people are breaking COVID-19 regulations and moving informally (formal moving refers to essential workers)
• We have to teach people to live with COVID-19. People must avoid informal movement
• We need a broad-based language to change people’s attitude; A language that touches peoples’ hearts and make people change.

Some recommendations for the Fiji Council of Churches and local Churches

1. MOH makes it clear that to stop the virus, we must do two things:

1. get vaccinated;
2. follow the COVID-19 regulations.

Both the above require obedience to the universal law of love and the common good. Unfortunately, some Fijian people are not supporting these above strategies by passing wrong information on vaccination and informal movement. Dr. Jemesa states that the vanua customs are areas where people are disobeying COVID-19 protocols. Churches can help form peoples’ conscience and help them make correct decisions. Therefore, apart from the medical language, Fijians need the spiritual and cultural language to help stop the COVID-19 virus.

1. COVID-19 and the Economy: The MOH faces the dilemma between stopping COVID-19 and keeping the economy. Fiji Council of Churches requests that the Fiji government brings together economists to find a clear strategy for stopping COVID-19 and sustaining the economy. The Churches wish to remind our civil leaders that the economy serves human persons. The economy does not serve only the business sector.
2. People are confused because of inconsistent messages. First, it was, the virus moves when people move – stay home; next, its open borders to generate the economy. People need a clear pathway to stop COVID-19. The government needs to formulate a well-researched strategy and communicate it to the people. People need a clear vision and strategy to build their hope and ignite positive attitude.
3. FCC and churches to provide tools and resources for addressing stress, positive spousal relationships, parent and children relationships, dealing with financial stresses, educative programs for youths and children.
4. We need a nationwide strategy that uses the resources of families, Vanua systems, religious communities, NGOs, ethnic communities, the business sector, government, foreign partners to stop COVID-19. Fiji’s poverty rate is at 30%. Can the 70% help stock up poor families in COVID-19 Red Zone areas to prepare for the lockdown? Our strategy should be inspired by our religious and cultural values (solesolevaki), the principle of subsidiarity, the universal principle of love and the common good, and the principle of the lesser evil.

Catholic church teaching on vaccination

Pope Francis teaches that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible. He said “I believe that morally everyone must take the vaccine. It is the moral choice because it is about your life but also the lives of others.”

The Pope adds, “We must also bring truth and, as he urged in “Fratelli Tutti,” look upon this moment as a new opportunity to “rediscover once for all that we need one another, and that in this way our human family can experience a rebirth, with all its faces, all its hands, and all its voices.”

In response to dangerous misinformation about the vaccines in society and even in the Church, the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued a statement noting it is “morally acceptable” for Catholics to take vaccines against COVID-19. CDF clarified the vaccines’ safety, effectiveness, and moral acceptability (see humandevelopment.va). The document highlights the following points:

• Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases using the body’s natural defenses to build resistance to dangerous infections. Vaccines are thoroughly tested and monitored to ensure they are safe.
• Vaccinations “can be used with a clear conscience and that the use of such vaccines does not signify some sort of cooperation with voluntary abortion.” In fact, the moral responsibility is to vaccinate in order to avoid serious health risks for children and the general population.
• Listen to the authoritative voice of the church on moral issues. Contrary to statements made by some in the church today, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, whose task is to promote and protect doctrine in matters of faith and morals, has made clear that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe and effective may be used.
• We need to trust science, not rumors and conspiracy theories: “Like the virus, misinformation can spread quickly. It is harmful and complicates pandemic response efforts. It is important to follow the advice of trusted sources, including local public health authorities and the websites of relevant regional and international organizations.”
• We all have a responsibility not to share unverified information that comes from dubious sources. As the Holy Father reminds us, “social aggression has found unparalleled room for expansion through computers and mobile devices,” which “has now given free rein to ideologies,” blocking “the kind of serene reflection that could lead us to a shared wisdom” and preventing us from penetrating “to the heart of matters, and to recognize what is essential to give meaning to our lives” (“Fratelli Tutti,” 44-45; 50). Yet we can together “seek the truth in dialogue,” through “the process of building fraternity be it local or universal … by spirits that are free and open to authentic encounters” (50).

This virus has left the human family vulnerable and wounded. This shared suffering teaches us that we must work together to bring this pandemic to an end. That means getting vaccinated as soon as possible — not only to protect ourselves but also so that we do not pass on this virus to those who are more likely to die from it. It also means doing what we can to help others get vaccinated. And if you’ve already received the vaccine, consider helping neighbors who are struggling to navigate the appointment-making process, or who may need a ride.

In summary, I ask you all to get vaccinated and encourage others to do the same, and remind people to follow COVID-19 protocols.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

  + Peter Loy Chong