With the emergence of a number of new religious bodies in the country over the past few years, concerns are being raised on some of the practices being undertaken by some of the bodies.
Many people have raised concerns with Fijivillage on some groups allegedly telling children not to go to school while some allegedly sexually abuse their followers by saying that they need to be healed.
Some of the cases are now in court after complaints filed by some of the followers and other members of the public.
Late last year, Police had confirmed that a group known as Jezreel Lion of Judah was not a registered religious body.
The group’s leader is currently facing charges of indecent assault and rape.
When questioned by Fijivillage, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed that the number of religious bodies registered in Fiji currently stands at 336.
There are 291 registered Christian denominations in the country.
While responding to the question regarding the groups operating as religious bodies without a registration Sayed-Khaiyum said that the government does not have any policy or monitoring clause in the Charitable Trust Act Cap 67.
He says the Act is silent so they are only registering and making the documents available to the public.
Sayed-Khaiyum strongly suggests that the Act be reviewed so that such dealings do not take place.
