Listening to all religiou traditions

Padre James Bhagwan
Wednesday, April 17, 2013

BEING in the "Soul of Asia" over the Easter weekend, it was not until much later that I learned of the controversy back home over a religious program broadcast on local television on Good Friday.

While, as a Christian and a fledgling theologian, I have my own response to the claims made in this particular criticism of my faith, (I have done so on social media), I would suggest we reframe the issue; looking at it with a different set of eyes or spectacles — from the perspective of religious liberty and religious tolerance.

The proposed draft constitution by government addresses religion in Fiji in two sections. In Section 4 (Secular State), the following is stated: Religious liberty, as recognised in the Bill of Rights, is a founding principle of the State; religious belief is personal; and religion and the State are separate.

According to Section 22 (Freedom of Religion): Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, belief, thought and opinion; every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in private or in public, to manifest and practise their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching; and every person has the right not to be compelled to act in a manner or take an oath that is contrary to the person's religion or belief; or requires the person to express a belief that the person does not hold. This section also addresses the issue of education and religious communities and religious education and practice in educational institutions.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=231275