Dear Editor,  

I am writing in response to Prime Minister Laaulialemalitoa Leuatea Schmidt’s proposal to restrict the religious practices of non-Christian faiths in Samoa.

We already live in a world weighed down by division. At a time when compassion and understanding are needed most, it is worrying to see political conversations replace the very Christ-like values preached in our churches, all while sheltering behind the Bible. This is not the Samoa I recognise, nor the Samoa I wish for future generations.

It is also far from the Samoa envisioned by those who stood bravely during the Mau Movement. “Samoa mo Samoa” was a call for dignity, freedom and unity. It was never meant to become a slogan that excludes Samoans based on belief. Yet today, that principle risks being quietly reshaped into something narrower and more fearful. 

We are repeatedly told that non-Christian religions pose a threat to Samoa. But honestly demands we look inward. Nearly all of the challenges facing our nation stem from our own actions as Samoans, not from minority faiths quietly living among us. Blame may be convenient, but it does not heal a nation.

Our ancestors shed blood so Samoa could be free – free to be Samoan first, protected by a constitution designed to safeguard unity, not weaken it.

The Bible itself reminds us in Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbour as yourself, there is no other commandment greater than this”. Perhaps this is the teaching we should practice more intentionally. We come from different villages, backgrounds, political views, beliefs and journeys, yet we share one land and one future. 

I believe in a Samoa that chooses peace over fear, unity over exclusion and justice over control. A Samoa confident enough in its faith to allow others to live in dignity.

Seumanututusa Ibrahim Ah-Hoa Ma’a