The head of the Catholic Church in Fiji and Rotuma is concerned at reports members of the clergy are refusing to get vaccinated against Covid-19,
More than 20 ministers from the Methodist and New Methodist churches have resigned because they do not want to get the injections.
The Government has maintained its 'No jab, no job' policy - announced last June - will remain.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. Photo: Supplied/Archdiocese of Suva
Turning away people who have not received the Covid-19 vaccine could be "unchristian", said Archbishop Peter Loy Chong.
But he said Fijians have a responsibility to get vaccinated because it was the only way to contain the spread of the deadly virus
"The church of Christ is inclusive, it means we welcome everybody," Archbishop Loy Chong said.
He said as a faith-based institution, they also had a responsibility to respect Government's directives.
"We need to respect religious values and at the time promoting the need for people to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
"People can be allowed in church, but under strict Covid-19 safety measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.
The archbishop said the Vatican had encouraged all its members to get vaccinated because it was the only way to stop the spread of the virus.
"We encourage our members to get vaccinated for the sake of protecting other people. I think God would not be OK turning people away from church just because they have not been vaccinated. As the church we are presenting God."
The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Christine Rovoi
He called on all Fijians to adhere to the Covid-19 measures put in place.
"We should support the Ministry of Health's project in providing the vaccine. It is disturbing to hear that some religions and churches are not supporting the vaccine, now that's not according to Jesus. Jesus comes to give us fullness of life and that they are responsible for other people's life.
"Right now to be on God's side is to follow the Covid instructions as being repeatedly given out by the Health Department which is to stay home.
"We can still do a lot when we stay home in terms of reaching out to our people."
Archbishop Loy Chong said they would look for other ways to accommodate members who have not received the vaccine.
Fiji's Health Secretary Dr James Fong said they had discussed the issues with religious leaders in their meeting recently.
Archbishop Loy Chong said these are times of uncertainty and suffering brought about by Covid-19, climate change, and gender-based and domestic violence.
He said Covid-19 has exacerbated poverty in Fiji through the downturn in the tourism industry - shut since March 2020 and only reopened on 1 December, 2021.
Catholic Church leaders meet in Fiji. Photo: Supplied/Archdiocese of Suva
Call to provide clear Covid-19 pathway
In June 2021, Archbishop Loy Chong as the head of the Fiji Council of Churches had urged the Government to seek the assistance of economists to find a clear strategy to stop the spread of Covid-19 while sustaining the economy.
He made the recommendation during a meeting with Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, Dr Fong and chief medical adviser Dr Jemesa Tudravu.
Archbishop Loy Chong said the churches "wish to remind our civil leaders that the economy serves human persons. The economy does not serve only the business sector."
He also said Fijians were confused by the mixed messages from the Government combined with misinformation about the vaccines - and the only way to stop the confusion was for Cabinet to come up with a clear strategy and to communicate this to the people.
Dr Waqainabete should ensure clear and consistent Covid-19 public advisories were delivered on a regular basis, he said.
"First it was, 'the virus moves when people move - stay home', next it's open borders to generate the economy," the archbishop said.
"Misinformation on vaccination and misinterpretation of the Bible and theology has exacerbated peoples' confusion - people need a clear pathway to stop Covid-19 and to build their hope and positive attitude.
"The Government needs to formulate a well-researched strategy and communicate it to the people."
A Methodist church in Fiji. Photo: Facebook / Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
The churches council recommended the Government call a broad consultation and utilise the resources of family, vanua systems, religious communities, NGOs, ethnic communities, business sector and foreign partners to stop Covid-19.
"Fiji's poverty rate is at 30 percent. Can the 70 percent help stock up poor families in Covid-19 red zone areas to prepare for lockdown?
"Our strategy should be inspired by our religious and cultural values (solesolevaki), the principle of subsidiarity, the universal principle of love and the common good and the principle of the lesser evil.
"In uncertain times like this, we must not forget that God is still the creator of the world. He knows what is needed to reset the world."
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has requested churches to use their teachings to encourage members to get vaccinated and follow Covid-19 regulations.
Fiji has had 63,624 cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic started in March 2020. The death toll is at 824.
There are currently 138 active cases in isolation with 19 people hospitalised.
The ministry also said 93.1 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated while 43,241 children aged 12-17 have received both injections.
