Over 300 members of the Samoan community in Aotearoa gathered at the Maota Samoa complex in Mangere to participate in a prayer service Photo: LJ Lolesio
A prayer service was held in Auckland over the weekend by various Samoan churches due to the political turmoil unfolding in Samoa.
The saga started with the sacking of La'auli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries after criminal charges were filed against him.
Since then, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has terminated three more Cabinet Ministers and 13 associate ministers.
She and five other members of the ruling FAST Party also been ousted, with reports the group is challenging their removal.
These events have caused division not only within Samoa but also among communities abroad.
A prayer service, organised by the Samoan Soofaatasi Samoa Committee, at the Maota Samoa complex in Mangere was attended more than 300 Samoans.
At the service was Samoa's Consul General, Afemata Palusalue Faapo Lemalu, who said Samoans around the globe, no matter where they are, can never forget their homeland.
"I am used to politics, but let's not worry, there are laws and a constitution in place for our parliament. No matter their differences, the law will lead and guide our Samoan government," Lemalu said.
"No one is perfect; we all have our flaws. However, we must continue to pray and ask God for forgiveness. May Samoa and its people be blessed," he said.
Samoan community in Auckland unite in prayer for Samoa amid political turmoil. Photo: LJ Lolesio
Social media has seen posts from people defaming each other and members of various political parties.
During his sermon, Reverend Filemoni Tuigamala directly addressed the chaos on social media.
"There have been hateful comments exchanged on social media - disrespectful words directed at one another. But my question is, is there a cure for all this negativity?"
He answered, "No. All your negative thoughts and words only add fuel to the fire.
"We must remember -'E faavae I le Atua Samoa,' Samoa is founded in God," he said, which is on Samoa's coat of arms.
Reverend elder Tanielu Mamea said Samoa has sinned together in front of God, adding that Samoa and its leaders have forgotten what they were called to do in their positions by God.
One attendee said the atmosphere at the Maota Samoa reflected the current situation in Samoa, and people were visibly saddened.
"This sadness was palpable in the voices of those who stood up in prayer, many of whom cried out for God's forgiveness and provision over Samoa.
"People were desperate to pray for their leaders back home and for the nation itself, with some standing to pray simultaneously."
