A church minister in American Samoa has delivered a stern message against child abuse, telling parents not to use God's words in the Bible about disciplining children as a licence for abuse.
The Reverend Fa'atauva'a Talamoni was speaking at the National Day of Hope Candlelight Vigil, which was part of American Samoa's observance of National Child Abuse and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Month throughout the United States.
The Revered Talamoni says he has witnessed so many parents beat their children senseless, and saying cruel things to them out of anger.
He says there is a big difference between teaching a child with discipline, and abuse.
"Don't get me wrong, I am old school, I'm all for discipline, but discipline with the right methods and the right approach. Not because we are angry and then use our children as punching bags. God's word should never be used as a licence for abuse."
The Reverend Fa'atauva'a Talamoni.
