Fiji's new constitution will enshrine separation of Church and State -

Fiji’s new constitution will enshrine separation of Church and State

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Fiji’s Constitution Commission chairman, Professor Yash Gha, has made it clear that the separation of Church and State will be enshrined in Fiji’s new constitution.

“This doesn’t mean that the State is anti-religion but just a feeling that the function and responsibility of religion of beliefs within societies should be separated from the functions and policies of the institution of the State,” he explained.

“We will have to look at the views we have received on this, some have been in support of separation but most have been made by Christians who want a Christian State.”

“I didn’t get the impression that people who asked for a Christian State fully understood what is generally meant by a secular State or separation of religion and State.”

A separation of church and State is one of the guiding principles set by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Source

The Fiji Times
Image: Coup four and a Half

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News category: Asia Pacific.

Tags: Bainimarama, Church and State, Fiji Constitution, Fiji Constitution Commission, Religious freedom

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