Churches appeal for unanimity

The ominous implications of Fiji’s by-election results brought con cerned reaction from the churches. The Synod of the Diocese of Polynesia urged that a meeting be held as soon as possible between Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh leaders in an effort to avert racial conflict.

It asked the Vicar-General of the Diocese to approach leaders of all religious denominations seeking joint action on the matter.

The synod approved an amended resolution which said that in view of partisan feeling in Fiji at this time, all citizens should realise their common humanity and find ways of settling their differences.

When he was moving the original motion the Dean of Suva, the Very Rev. D, R. McQueen, said he was doing so because of the political situation.

“I am beginning not to like the terms ‘expatriate’ and ‘indigenous’,” he said.

The Rev. P. Thirwell said Hindu friends had told him they wished leaders of all faiths would get together at this time to give some kind of moral leadership in the crisis Fiji was facing. Another speaker called for a joint appeal from spiritual leaders to all people of the colony.