Political leaders cannot lead with integrity if they do not have peace and inner freedom - Archbishop Chong

The Head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says our political leaders cannot lead with integrity if they do not have peace and inner freedom.

In his Christmas message, Archbishop Chong says although we have the foundations of a coalition government, we know that we have politicians who carry deep wounds, hate, animosity, revenge and trauma in their hearts and minds.

He says furthermore, a coalition government brings together three parties with different manifestos and values.

Archbishop Chong adds they need to embrace their vulnerabilities, brokenness and be reconciled with self.

He says this will help them to forgive and accept others and be true agents of peace.

He has strongly recommend that the new government takes parliament to a spiritual retreat to help heal the wounds, hatred, division and animosity.

Archbishop Chong says the first parliament seating should be with God, to experience deep listening and forgiveness adding that politicians cannot serve peace when there is no inner peace.