The Methodist Church of Fiji said it has not taken a position on Fiji to be declared a Christian State although some of its members have made this call.
Fijivillage has questioned the church what it wants as it said that it does not want a secular state and religious belief to be personal.
Methodist Church minister and Communications Officer, Reverend James Bhagwan said more discussions need to be held on the definition of a secular state in the 2013 constitution.
When questioned on the section clearing covering freedom of religion in the constitution with no restrictions, Reverend Bhagwan said they are happy with it.
The 2013 constitution states that religious liberty as recognised in the Bill of Rights is a founding principle of the state and religious belief is personal.
The constitution said that religion and state are separate which means the state and all persons holding public office must treat all religions equally, the state and all persons holding public office must not dictate any religious belief, that state and all persons holding public office must not prefer or advance any particular religion, religious denomination, religious belief or religious practice over another or over any non-religious belief.
Although the Catholic Church of Fiji head and the Methodist Church of Fiji's Reverend James Bhagwan have raised concerns about Fiji to be a secular state and that religious belief is personal, section 22 of the constitution covers freedom of religion, conscience and belief.
The section clearly states that every person has the right to freedom of religion, conscience and belief. It also says that every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in private or in public, to manifest and practice their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
