ADDRESS OF ARCHBSHOP PETER TO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE VISIT

Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the Catholic Church in Fiji. I thank you for the kind gesture of visiting Faith Community Leaders.

There is a real link between Law Enforcement and the Role of Faith Communities and Churches.

Firstly, we both respond to crisis. The Police through law enforcement and Faith Communities through the search for meaning and order in one’s mind. Secondly, crisis intensifies the human quest for meaning and order. Similarly, faith is a human existential quest for meaning and order. Faith is therefore an essential human need. 

Through all that happens in human experience we must acknowledge that God is present where there is crisis. Indeed, God is at work in the chaos of COVID-19.

History has shown that people are more open to God, to religion during times of crisis and uncertainty. Crisis and uncertain times remind us that no matter how much money we have, how much power we have – we do not have control over many things in life – including our own lives. This helplessness opens up our search beyond ourselves to a higher power – God. When we admit that we are broken, helpless, in a crisis, not in control – we open ourselves to God. Religion is our response to the mystery of life. Religion gives people meaning and order. Religion like water, air, work and economy IS essential to all human peoples.

GOD through Covid-19 is teaching this secular world – a world that is becoming more and more secular and driven by secular forces. Our constitution defines Fiji as a secular state. However, we would do well to remember that God is Creator. God is in control and at the end of the world, God will reconcile all things to himself.

I wish to again sincerely thank the Commissioner of Police for this wonderful gesture – showing how we can work together to keep order and meaning in society.

I wish you well in your new assignment and pray that God blesses you as you serve God’s people.