Samoan Church challenged again

Comment published Samoa Observer 18/07/10 re 'Church accused of blackmail'

The writing has been very clear on the wall for several months through the Samoa Observer, that Samoan churches can no longer escape the challenges presented to them by the public and worshippers locally and globally.
From the fa’a-Mati, the Church’s response to the proposed Casino, to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and the continuous exploitation of the “poor”, (including those practices at funerals identified by Leulua’iali’i Woodroffe) these priority issues are demanding sincere and truthful attention by the churches concerned.
Yet, it appears that these real issues are being denied and or superficially addressed instead of at the policy decision levels of church organisations where reforms and change of practice can be made and demonstrated to the public/worshippers.
I was shocked to read in another news source about the fa’a-Mati being made a laughing matter as if the people who feel the effect were being ignored by the Church.
It is no secret that “doing Church” in Samoa and outside of Samoa is “big business” involving “big” money. I agree with Leulua’iali’i that as such, business must be accountable and transparent. In fact it ought to avoid using “culture” as a scapegoat for unprofessional practice.
The world’s people are suffering the worst global financial crisis ever because of unprofessional and unethical business practice. As a result people everywhere are suffering and no one knows when a true recovery will occur. Churches ought to show true compassion under these circumstances.
Ia Manuia le fa’afouina o le tala’iga o le Talalelei.
Ma le fa’aaloalo lava.

Meripa Weir – Keen Samoan Watcher from Abroad.