Fiji Islands Religion

Christianity plays a powerful role in the social make-up of the Fiji Islands. The dominant church is Methodist which accounts for almost 80% of the indigenous Fijian population and wields enormous power over political affairs. Anglicans, Catholics and a long list of new churches also have a foothold in the country. Hinduism is also strong amongst the Indian people and temples and festivals can be seen throughout the country. Each town also has its own mosque for the minority Muslim population which amounts to about 60,000. The Pacific Theological College and the Pacific Regional Seminary are based in Suva.

Fijians are proud people, particularly so of their religion and there is no better way to spend a Sunday than in a small Fijian village with the local people. The day begins before sunrise with the beating of the luli drum which resonates around the village. The luli drum has always been used in Fijian culture as a method to convey messages across a large distance. In this instance the message is that church is about to commence. Many village churches are simple wooden structures with a matted floor for seating. Others like the church in Pepjei on Rotuma are impressive structures. Regardless of the exterior, it is the spirit inside the church that matters. And in Fiji, that spirit is magnanimous.

The men dress in smart sulus (a wrap around skirt), shirt and tie, and the women in colourfully patterned long dresses. Most services are conducted in Fijian though in towns and near resorts there are some in English. Don't let the language barrier put you off for there is plenty to catch the attention with the small children looking about and giggling and their mothers trying to control them. The most moving experience at any service is without doubt the voracity of the hymns sung by every member of the church at full blast and in melody! It is the passion within the singing that takes the soul to another dimension. Gospel churches have become very popular in the country and adds the Fijians natural flair and rhythm to the hymns.

Communal feasting takes place after the service. Food caught and collected on Saturday from the sea and in the bush is placed in a lovo. The lovo is a large hole dug in the ground which acts as an oven. Hot volcanic stones are placed at the bottom and the food is piled on top and covered with banana leaves and earth for insulation. After several hours of slow cooking, the food is served to the villagers who by lunch time are relaxing in the shade of trees. A communal prayer or masu is then given by the headman before everyone settles down to feasting.



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