By Jean Marc ‘Ake, USP Student Intern
A Fijian church has made their anti abortion stance loud and clear after holding a demonstration last Friday in Suva.
The church has also revealed that they plan on supporting single mothers and widows presenting them alternatives to abortion.
The Apologia Reformed Baptist Church, during the demonstration, engaged in discussions with the general public and handed out pamphlets with information on why they believe abortions are sinful and should be outlawed.
This initiative is led by Pastor Wayne Areki, who explained that their stance is based on their belief in the sanctity of all life and the word of God.
“His law commands against murder, and therefore we must take a stand against the taking of innocent lives in the womb.”
“We also proclaim that abortion is a sin, while governments may allow it, God does not.”
“Yet, through faith in Christ, those who have had abortions can find forgiveness, and those struggling with pregnancy can trust that God will care for them.”
Areki revealed that the Church is working with partner churches to establish systems of support for single mothers and widows, whether it be financial, emotional, or through counselling.
“We believe the church should be at the forefront of caring for the vulnerable and less fortunate.”
“Although we are not yet fully equipped, we are committed to standing alongside like-minded believers and developing ways to provide tangible care.”
Areki said that they’ve grown in capacity and support in their stand against abortion.
Under Fijian law, abortions are permitted on specific conditions such as if the pregnancy is a threat to the life, physical and mental health of the mother; as well as instances of rape, incest or sexual abuse.
Areki said that while the church recognises the horrific nature of crimes like rape and incest, they don’t believe that abortion is the answer.
“We do not believe they (rape and incest) justify taking the life of a child.”
“A child should not be treated as expendable because of a parent’s irresponsibility or a crime committed against the mother.”
“”In cases of rape, we believe the perpetrator—not the child—should be punished.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Seini, speaking anonymously, said she was aware of last week’s demonstration; however, she was not impressed
“I feel like people shouldn’t use the bible and religion when it comes to topics like these because being holier than thou does not exactly make you better than everyone else.”
“Just because the bible says to be fruitful and multiply doesn’t mean that you can force other people to be fruitful and multiply; you do what’s best for you and that’s that.”
“You can pray to God about it and he will give you the answers you need, and I believe that whatever choice people end up making is what makes them feel the best than that’s an answer from God himself.”
In terms of Fijian legislation, Seini believes that Fiji should allow for a more liberalised way of abortion where women don’t need specific reasons to undergo an abortion, but rather receive it upon request.
This means that women would have more control of their bodies as safe abortions would be readily available.
“The importance of why everyone, especially women, make choices based on their own bodies because they are the ones that know their body best.”
Seini believes that the reason so many conservatives oppose abortion is because of how they interpret the bible.
“Conservatives believe what they want to believe and they sometimes interpret the bible in a way that they are able to agree with instead of reading it and interpreting it in a broader aspect,” said Seini. “I feel like they sometimes scare other people into believing what they believe. “
“They believe that abortion is somewhat an act against God because he created everyone in his image and that before they were in the womb, he had plans for them, I believe this to be true for those who WANT to be parents.”
Seini isn’t alone in her pro-abortion stance; the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) has advocated for legislation that allows safer and better access to abortions upon request.
Furthermore, FWCC also shares the sentiment that no man, state or judge should have a say in an individual’s choice to go about an abortion.
The FWCC believes that decriminalising abortions would foster, “safe abortions, informed requests and pre and post abortion counselling available to all women regardless of age, race, class or religion.”
The Apologia Reformed Baptist Church plans on holding another anti abortion demonstration by the end of the month.
