Martha Taumata Faavae
The role of the church is to keep the peace and to play a mediatory role.
This is a reminder from the Chairman of the National Council of Churches Reverend Kasiano Leaupepe.
Rev Leaupepe has noted that the current political situation in the country has caused divisions in churches, families and villages.
As a church leader he knows the church has an influential role to play with godly respect and obedience Samoans have for their religious leaders, but their right and freedom to choose must not be dictated to.
The church members are divided over which political party they support and this has caused divisions Rev Leaupepe noted.
The role of the church minister is not to take side with a political party but should play a mediatory role so that the peace can be kept.
“ Not all the members of the EFKS support FAST. Some support HRPP. Not all Catholics support HRPP. Some are for FAST.
“The church leader is to stay neutral. He plays a mediatory role. He is not to be a partisan.
“If he is a partisan, then he is giving support to one side and forgetting the others,” Rev Leaupepe told Newsline.
“Give advice to both sides. Pray and fast with the flock. Pray together for an answer to the problem Samoa is facing. That is our role.”
Rev Leaupepe also has a message for the politicians.
“ My advice to both political parties is not to drag the people into politics. They should continue on their own debates and their arguments.
“ The leaders of both parties should be mindful of the consequences and the impact of politics on beliefs, the families, villages, churches and the whole nation.”
Rev Leaupepe is calling on the church to continue to pray fervently for Samoa.
He added that the church leaders to keep the peace by keeping a distance away from politics.
Rev Leaupepe is aware that a letter was sent by the chairman of the Congregational Christian Church (EFKS Church)directly to the Head of State. He explained that the National Council of Churches was not overlooked in this matter for that is within the right of the Chairman.
“ A church has a right to do its own thing,” he said. “ Our role is to continue to give advice.”
He also reminded of the specific role of the church ministers .
“We must remember we are servants of God and our role is to spread His word and to maintain peace and role model Jesus ways to church members. In my view as the chairman of the National Council of Churches what is utmost important is keeping the peace and church leaders should set this good example to the flock.”
Rev Leaupepe believes that God in His own time will give the answer and appoint the party to rule Samoa.