The Fiji Human Rights Commission has expressed concern with proposals by the Methodist Church of Fiji to focus on evangelizing the non Christian population of Fiji.

FHRC Chairperson Dr. Shaista Shameem said such targeting of a minority group for particular attention for evangelizing or converting by the Methodist church would violate fundamental human rights principle of Freedom of religion.

Dr. Shameem said most significantly, it would run contrary to the Methodist Church's own commitment, given publically at its annual conference to promote human rights, the 1997 constitution and the rule of law.

She said the Commission would like the Church General Secretary, Reverand Tuikilakila Waqairatu to inform them on the forms that this particular evangelism amongst the minority group in Fiji would take, as any forceful conversion or pressure put on minority and vulnerable groups to convert in exchange for benefits or essential needs such as housing, tenancy agreements, land and others would be a gross violation of human rights.

Reverand Waqairatu is yet to comment on the concerns being raised by the FHRC.