December 2, 2024
For the first time in the nation’s history, the Republic of Fiji’s Military Forces (RFMF) now have a New Testament created for them. This new publication is the result of the funding and support of a partnership between the Association of Military Christian Fellowship for the South-West Pacific, Bible Society Australia, and Bible Society of the South Pacific (BSSP).
Adding to the significance of this project, this new NT featured as part of a historic event for Fiji, specifically the Reconciliation and Restoration Day on November 2 – leading to this edition of the Bible becoming known as the “Reconciliation Bible”.
Alongside the support of other stakeholders, BSSP and the RFMF Chaplaincy Team assisted in compiling RFMF’s first-ever New Testament Bible, which also includes the Psalms and Proverbs. The Bible is pocket-size, waterproof, and features a unique cover design with the traditional red and green colours of the RFMF —a step away from traditional camouflaged designs.
Playing an important role at the launch event, General Secretary of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, Rev. Dr. Jolame Lasawa, shared that the Bible provides an important influence for RFMF personnel:
“May the light of the Lord guide you in every path that you will follow in life. May you also guide other people in the direction as commanded in the Bible.”
The Reconciliation and Restoration Day ceremony was held at the RFMF Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva. The Republic of Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also attended.
The full Reconciliation and Restoration Day ceremony was livestreamed via Facebook and is available here.
History behind Reconciliation and Restoration Day
Reconciliation and Restoration Day, held on November 2, concluded an eight-month-long formal program of reconnection and restoration held throughout the country in response to the military coup in 2000.
The Fijian coup began on May 19, 2000, when a Fijian businessman and politician led a group of rebel soldiers from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit to overthrow the government, taking then Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and others hostage in Parliament. The leader claimed he acted to protect native Fijians, believing the government favoured Fijians of Indian descent.
After 56 days of turmoil and political negotiations, the military took control, declaring martial law and ending the coup. This coup left a lasting impact, creating deeper divides between ethnic groups in Fiji and changing the political system to favour indigenous Fijians.
In September 2024, the coup leader was released from prison following a pardon from President Katonivere after serving over 20 years of a life sentence.
Healing the Wounds
To provide closure to communities throughout Fiji after decades and address concerns, a program was created that featured a tour of the country with meetings in major towns before the final Reconciliation and Restoration Day event in the capital, Suva, on November 2. These events, over the course of the tour, provided an active opportunity to heal relationships that had remained broken since the coup 24 years ago.
Reported in a local news article covering the events, an RFMF spokesperson describes what would occur:
“While the discussions centered on the tumultuous events of 2000, the focus extended beyond that pivotal moment,” the spokesperson said. “Attendees were encouraged to seek forgiveness from anyone they felt had been wronged, addressing lingering grievances that had persisted for nearly a quarter of a century. This open exchange provided a long-overdue opportunity for healing and reflection.”
Theme of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
A major theme throughout the New Testament is forgiveness, which makes it a very appropriate book to share within a program focussed on reconciliation and restoration of relationships. Geoffry Miller, BSSP General Secretary, shared how this Bible connects the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation with the military, on this historic occasion:
“It was at this first meeting in early June 2023, that BSSP and the project partners learned that the RFMF was starting a Spiritual Renewal and Reconciliation Program in 2023 and the Military Bible was a God send for them, because that was the only instrument that would make their initiative whole and complete. At that time, the RFMF did not have an official Bible specifically customized design for their personnel. This would be the first Bible in RFMF’s history.”
Miller hopes and prays that this special edition Bible will have a tremendous impact on the RFMF personnel: “This Bible stands as a reminder that there is a living hope of freedom and peace through reconciliation in Jesus… Genesis 4:10 says, “Then the LORD said, “Why have you done this terrible thing? Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground, like a voice calling for revenge”. We believe that for 24 years, the blood of the slain kept crying out. This Military Bible marks that special moment when God finally wiped the tears of the families and gave rest to the slain.”
Faith and Life in Fiji
The largest religious group is Christian, comprising approximately 64% of the population, mostly indigenous Fijians who follow denominations like Methodist, Catholic, and Seventh-day Adventist. The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma is the largest Christian denomination in Fiji, with 34.6% of the total population.
Approximately 28% of Fijians are Hindu, primarily within the Indo-Fijian community, while about 6% are Muslim. Smaller communities practice Sikhism, Buddhism, and other beliefs, contributing to Fiji’s religious variety.
Faith plays an important role in daily life, with Christianity significantly influencing social and cultural practices, especially among the indigenous Fijians.
This new Bible publication was covered in the media in Fiji, including by FBC News here.
