FIJI: Christian Condones Attack

Author:
Publication: Hinduism Today
Date: February 1997.

Fiji Hindus were outraged over a dipavali-day break-in at the Soni Samaj Temple in Nadi.  Several Deities were smashed, others were stolen.  Damages totaled US$25,000.  Fiji's Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, condemned the vandalism as "beastly.  If it was performed by any Christian Methodist, we are all ashamed." A second temple break-in on November 14 escalated tensions.  Hindus were stunned when Wesleyan Mission secretary, Sakeasi Butadroka, actually justified the attacks during an interview with the Fiji Sun: "This is God Jehovah's way of showing nonbelievers that it is time they turn away from worshiping statues." He said Hindu festive activity--meaning Dipavali--and work on the Sunday Sabbath, were an offense against Christianity.  "I am not at all surprised at the recent spate of temple break-ins," he concluded.  To date, no one has been arrested, nor have other Christian leaders in Fiji or elsewhere issued statements rebuking Butadroka.
 

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