By Losirene Lacanivalu, Cook Islands News
The Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 governs the establishment of religious bodies in the Cook Islands. Photo: 123rf
A Christian movement advocating for a constitutional amendment to declare the Cook Islands a Christian state is concerned its push will fall short, as the Special Select Committee reviewing the proposal confirms the finalisation of its report.
The Special Select Committee that was reviewing the proposed constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state has finalised its report.
Committee chair Minister for Foreign Affairs Tingika Elikana has confirmed this, adding that details of their report, including the recommendations following written and verbal submissions, are expected to be tabled at the next Parliament Sitting in May.
Elikana's confirmation comes after the Cook Islands Christian Movement (CICM), a major advocate for the Christian state push, expressed concern that the Special Select Committee might propose an alternative course of action.
In a statement to Cook Islands News, CICM's interim vice president Clerk Turua and interim secretary William Framhein, stated, based on confidential sources, that the Committee's recommendation would fall short of their proposal.
"The Special Select Committee may propose an alternative course of action: a watered-down acknowledgment of Christian principles and heritage, while keeping the Constitution intact and introducing new legislation to regulate or manage religions including Christianity," they said.
"This recommendation not only falls short of representing the voices of Cook Islanders but also raises concerns about the motivations behind such a decision.
"Has our Parliament chosen political expediency over spiritual conviction? Are our leaders bowing to external pressures, prioritising monetary gains, and self-preservation over the values that unite us as a people?"
Committee chair Elikana said he would respond to the Cook Islands Christian Movement once the report was presented to Parliament.
"Unfortunately, the Committee had finalised its report and will be presented to Parliament - once presented I will be able to answer any questions and response to William Framhein's comments."
According to the Movement, over 80 per cent of submissions to the Special Select Committee supported the Cook Islands Christian Church's proposal to declare the Cook Islands a Christian nation.
"This overwhelming support clearly reflects the will of our people - our unwavering faith in God, our respect for Christian values, and our commitment to preserving our nation's religious heritage.
"This is not a time for compromise. It is a time for bold leadership that reflects the desires of Cook Islanders and honours the faith that guides our lives."
Submissions regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to declare the nation a Christian state were made in February this year.
The Special Select Committee on Religious Organisations was formed in December 2024 following a debate in Parliament regarding the establishment of the country's first mosque and three pending applications from religious bodies seeking registration in the Cook Islands.
The Religious Organisation Restrictions Act 1975 governs the establishment of religious bodies in the Cook Islands, which limits the introduction of new religions to only four authorised in the Act - The Cook Islands Christian Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to the Act, approval must be granted from the Minister of Justice before another religion be established.
Members of the Special Select Committee also include MP Rakahanga and Opposition Leader Tina Pupuke-Browne, MP Matavera Vaitoti Tupa, MP Ruaau Timi Tunui Varu, and Deputy Prime Minister and Ruatonga-Avatiu-Palmerston-Panama-Atupa MP Albert Nicholas, MP Amuri-Ureia Toanui Isamaela, and MP Arutanga-Reureu-Nikaupara Tereapii Maki-Kavana.
Parliament is expected to resume on 21 May.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News
