The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) has moved to ban gift-giving with the hope to ease the burden on families and church followers.
However, that ban comes with exceptions, urging that “wisdom and conscience” are used.
C.C.C.S. Secretary General, Reverend Dr. Iutisone Salevao said the decision was finalised during last year’s gathering.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Dr. Salevao made it clear that the change is to “lighten the burden on people”.
Reading from the Annual Meeting’s Resolution 2013 booklet, he said, “There shall be no more traditional presentation of fine mats inclusive of food feasts presentation in dedication of church buildings.”
Around this time last year, at the 2013 conference, many Reverends voiced their dismay on the traditional practices causing “people to leave churches”.
One of the Ministers told the conference last year that the church should set an example to “stop taiga sua to avoid the heavy burden on people”.
“If we take these gifts away we would feel a lot cooler and relaxed.”
Under fa’alavelave custom, family and friends are expected to donate money, food, clothing and artefacts during a wedding, funeral or other significant occasions.
This is on top of regular tithes, with some church goers donating up to half of their income.
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