Religion in Fiji
As is the case in nearly all Pacific Island nations, Fiji has a very religious culture, and churches of various denominations abound. A little over half of Fiji's population is Christian, with the Methodist Church commanding the largest congregation, followed by the Catholic Church. Christianity permeates the government to a degree that is not found in most western countries.
Prayers will be said before meals, and the sound of local church choirs can be heard across Suva and Nadi on Sundays. Expats who do not hold strong religious beliefs need to be very careful not to offend local Fijians. It is better to keep your religious (or lack of religious views) private. Evangelical churches are also fairly common.
The majority of the Indo-Fijians are Hindu, and the celebrations of the Hindu religious calendar add a great sense of diversity to life in Suva. The festival of Diwali is particularly well celebrated across the country, and during this festive time houses are decorated with lights and fireworks are let off.
The general tolerance for religious freedom across the country has been limited somewhat in recent years by the interim government. The political powers that be are wary of the power of the churches, and are suspicious that a revolt may emerge from the ranks of the religious bodies. The leaders of the Methodist church, in particular, are closely monitored, and have been arrested on a number of occasions.
Religious groups planning to organise religious programs require a police permit if the program has a gathering of more than 10 people.
Religion in Fiji
As is the case in nearly all Pacific Island nations, Fiji has a very religious culture, and churches of various denominations abound. A little over half of Fiji's population is Christian, with the Methodist Church commanding the largest congregation, followed by the Catholic Church. Christianity permeates the government to a degree that is not found in most western countries.
Prayers will be said before meals, and the sound of local church choirs can be heard across Suva and Nadi on Sundays. Expats who do not hold strong religious beliefs need to be very careful not to offend local Fijians. It is better to keep your religious (or lack of religious views) private. Evangelical churches are also fairly common.
The majority of the Indo-Fijians are Hindu, and the celebrations of the Hindu religious calendar add a great sense of diversity to life in Suva. The festival of Diwali is particularly well celebrated across the country, and during this festive time houses are decorated with lights and fireworks are let off.
The general tolerance for religious freedom across the country has been limited somewhat in recent years by the interim government. The political powers that be are wary of the power of the churches, and are suspicious that a revolt may emerge from the ranks of the religious bodies. The leaders of the Methodist church, in particular, are closely monitored, and have been arrested on a number of occasions.
Religious groups planning to organise religious programs require a police permit if the program has a gathering of more than 10 people.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..