Fiji Islands
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has supported Christian
witness in the Pacific island nation of Fiji through mission
personnel on the faculty of Pacific Theological College in
Suva, although none are assigned there at the present time,
and our partner church
relationships.
The PC(USA) has joined Pacific Theological College in the
ministry of theological education and leadership development
for Pacific islanders, and in advance theological studies and research in the Pacific context. It encourages
Pacific students and faculty to pursue "Pacific-ness" with
the distinctive insights God has given them.
Fiji became an independent nation in 1970 after 96 years of
British rule. Annexed by Britain in 1874, the colonial ruler
brought indentured workers from India to work in the sugar
cane fields. Most Indians decided to stay. By 1970 the indigenous
Fijian population was outnumbered by Indians and small numbers
of European and Chinese migrants. The population of Fiji is
approximately 1 million.
Pacific Theological College, an ecumenical institution, was founded
in 1966. There are some 39 churches from over 14 island countries
represented at the College. |
