N.C.C. Chairman calls for unity in prayer

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 26 May 2021, 8:20PM

The Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe has called on the nation to unite in prayers during these uncertain times for Samoa. 

Leaupepe made the announcement on Tuesday night, following the events of 24 May, 45 days since the country headed to the polls to vote last month.  

Speaking on behalf of the leaders from the different denominations in the country, Deacon Leaupepe suggests that Samoa as a Christian nation should "unite in prayers."

He admits that the events of the past few days and weeks have been "unpleasant" to see. 

"That's why I have decided to speak up as we should not remain silent during these difficult times," Deacon Leaupepe said. 

"We are sailing through rough seas and there is one way we can get past these uncertainties. That is to come together in unity and pray for the country. 

"We are a Christian country and I speak on behalf of the leadership and members of the clergies in the country. Samoa we must come together in prayers and fasting.

"We are a country founded on God, and that should be reflected in what we do as a nation. We should always seek God's guidance in whatever we do.

"What happened to that solid foundation? What happened to the old phrase, Samoa for God and God? We should ask if this country is really founded on God."

He then expressed empathy for members of the clergies. 

"It's such a pity that great contribution and service of the anointed servants of the Lord in Samoa have been downgraded. 

"They are the ones who are praying day and night for God's protection upon the nation. Our ancestors laid out the foundation for Samoa and we should continue to follow that. 

"We should uphold our culture and our Christian beliefs. 

"I strongly believe that if we had stuck to that foundation, there would not have been any disagreements and conflicts. We rely on the holy spirit of the Lord to choose his leaders and we should always trust his judgments.

"But the solution to all of these is God. Therefore, I call on the nation to unite in prayers and fasting. 

"Let us put aside our differences and continue to pray for Samoa."

Leaupepe's announcement was made a day after F.A.S.T. held its own swearing-in ceremony on Monday after a scheduled sitting of Parliament was declared cancelled by the Speaker of the previous Parliament, who ordered the Parliament be locked down.  

His Highness the Head of State of Samoa, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, issued a writ on Friday, to declare the official opening of XVII Parliament on Monday. 

But over the weekend he issued another writ, revoking his earlier decree and seeking to suspend Monday's ceremony. 

The Supreme Court subsequently struck down that order and ruled that the sitting should go ahead.

F.A.S.T. members and supporters found the Parliament doors locked when they arrived on Monday morning.

On the other hand, the leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is challenging Monday's swearing-in ceremony held by the F.A.S.T. party.




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By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 26 May 2021, 8:20PM
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