The Seventh Day Adventist Church plans to re-open Vatuvonu Adventist College when it is able to provide a full complement of Adventist teachers.

Last week, the Church announced its decision to close down the school at the end of this school term.

SDA Church General Secretary Pastor Joe Talemaitoga says the appointment of non-Adventist teachers prevents the Church from maintaining and managing Vatuvonu as a place where the Church’s distinctive religious beliefs and values are taught and upheld.

He says it also jeopardizes the constitutional rights of the students in the school to seek and receive knowledge relevant to the practices of the Church.

Pastor Taleimaitoga adds, the Church is deeply sorry for the impact the closure has brought to the 21 staff and 178 students.

He admits, the decision to close down Vatuvonu Adventist School has been a difficult one – but it had to be made – after the Ministry of Education refused to appoint an Adventist Principal and Adventist teachers to the school – despite several appeals by the Church.

The Church is also calling on government to support the free exercise of religion as stated in the Fijian Constitution.

It’s also calling for the review of government policies and practices so that faith based schools can appoint teachers and staff reflecting their religious beliefs.

Questions sent to the Ministry of Education remain unanswered.