The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) hosted the third annual Defence Faith Forum at the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi, Fiji, from March 22 to 26. 

In his opening address to the Defence Faith Forum, Commander RFMF Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai challenged the Pacific chaplains and faith leaders to deliberate on the truth that spiritual resilience is not a passive state, but rather an active, cultivated depth. 

He went on to challenge faith leaders to be the “intentional gardeners” of the next generation. 

“Look beyond the next mission – preparing leaders for the next generation, identifying that what is deeply rooted in our young leaders today will become the principled, courageous leadership of our region tomorrow,” Major General Kalouniwai said.

With the challenge set, the forum provided an opportunity for military faith leaders to discuss their contribution to shared resilience, learn from each other and build chaplaincy capacity across the South Pacific.

Members participated in workshops and discussion forums to progress key Pacific Defence Faith Network (PDFN) objectives and shared devotionals with senior Fijian faith leaders. 

In his closing address, Fijian Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said: “While discipline, respect, service and responsibility remain core values of military life, support systems must evolve to meet the needs of increasingly diverse defence personnel.” 

He said younger generations often engage with faith differently and urged defence institutions to ensure spiritual support remains accessible and relevant. 

'While discipline, respect, service and responsibility remain core values of military life, support systems must evolve to meet the needs of increasingly diverse defence personnel.'

Mr Tikoduadua also praised the PDFN as a vital platform for regional cooperation, enabling nations to share approaches and strengthen coordination. 

This year marked the third anniversary of the PDFN – an outcome of the 2023 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). 

The faith leaders considered avenues to advance training opportunities for the chaplaincy workforce and how to best contribute meaningfully to SPDMM initiatives, such as the Pacific Response Group.

Military faith leaders from Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga expressed their gratitude to Mr Tikoduadua and Major General Kalouniwai for the opportunity to gather together in friendship and faith and to experience traditional Fijian hospitality. 

The theme of this year’s forum, ‘Deep roots’, taken from Ephesians 3:17 – rooted and established in love – reflected the stability and growth of this important faith initiative. 

“The PDFN continues to recognise its unique and impactful responsibility, bringing military faith leaders together to deepen partnerships and promote faith-based engagement between our Pacific militaries,” Australian Army Principal Chaplain and task lead of the initiative, Brigadier Kerry Larwill, said.

“Fijian hospitality provided a wonderful opportunity for strengthening people-to-people connections, laying a strong foundation for an enduring network built on faith, trust and mutual encouragement.”