Assemblies of God Church now on board with FCS

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Fiji Corrections Service today achieved another milestone with its rehabilitation efforts after singing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Assemblies of Gods Church of Fiji.

The new partnership will now recognize and channel the efforts of the AOG Church alongside the FCS rehabilitation strategies to help restore lives of members of their congregation currently under the care of the FCS in a proactive and professional manner.

“Apart from engaging with the eight Provincial Councils in the formation of the CARE Networks, the Fiji Corrections Service also values its engagement with religious organisations,’’ said Commissioner of Corrections Commander Francis Kean at the signing.

“The signing of the MOU today is the result of months of discussions and visitations between the AOG and FCS teams spearheading this initiative. It is a special day as we partner in the business of restoring lives of those under our care.

Deputy Superintendent of the AOG Church Reverend Pritam Singh said they now have the unprecedented opportunity to offer incarcerated men and women the hope of transformation.

“As we boldly seize this chance together through this MOU we will open the door so that they are able to live up to their potential after paying their debt to society,’’ Rev Singh said.

“We thank the Fiji Corrections Service and especially the Commissioner for his vision and leadership, thank you for inviting us to help all those affected by crime to heal and flourish through the spiritually and emotionally rehabilitating hope of the gospel.”
Commander Kean said the role of the Church was very important to the FCS.

“The church plays an instrumental role in the process of rehabilitation and behavioral change. It has a special way of counseling without heavy reprimand and this helps the inmates to see the need to change from their wayward ways and become better members of the society,’’ Commander Kean said.

Commander Kean added that religion plays a central role in the spiritual development of those incarcerated.

The FCS has also signed MOUs with the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma in October 2018 and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in July 2020.