Dear Editor, Since the article published in the Cook Islands News on the 14th November 2024 regarding the first Mosque in Rarotonga, and following all subsequent newspaper articles, Letters to the Editor, opinion pieces, online comments, RAC comments, the removal of the Mosque pin on Google maps, Parliament’s formation of a “special select committee” etc, I have remained silent.

One, because I don’t feel the need to convince anyone about my right to practice the religion I chose, especially when it has no direct effect on anyone else, nor am I causing harm to anyone else, and two, because there were so many Letters to the Editor, column pieces, and comments from educated and open-minded people in support of the right to religious freedom, and also in support of Islam and Muslims.

The recent article, “New Christian movement plans to challenge govt” was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Now I have to speak up not just for myself but for my fellow Muslims on the island who do not feel they can.

Pastor Clerk Turua of the CICM (Cook Islands Christian Movement) says “... in their journey to unite believers and serve the community with LOVE AND COMPASSION...”, but that love and compassion only seems to

extend so far.

Interim Secretary of CICM, William Framhein, says that he has no issues with Muslims practicing in their own home, “it’s their fundamental human right”, but he draws the line at having a communal place of worship, or as he calls it “a place where a group of them can get together. That’s a problem”.

Mr Framhein states they are a movement made up of individuals who have a relationship with Jesus. Does Mr Framhein know Muslims also have a relationship with Jesus, and that Jesus is one of the most revered Prophets and Messengers in Islam, and that we also believe he will return to Earth to fulfil his prophethood?

Does Mr Framhein and others know that Islam is a monotheistic faith and there are approximately 1.9 billion adherents of Islam, which constitute the world’s second largest and fastest growing major religious grouping?

As in any community, be it religious or otherwise, there are bad people doing bad things but you cannot condemn the majority for the actions of a minority.

Dean Kapi-Tangata’s statement was the only shining light in the article and he said everything that our Christian leaders should be saying.

Let’s focus on what unites us instead of what divides us.

Peace and blessings.

Tatiana Kautai

Reply – Kia Orana Editor, I respond as follows to Tatiana Kautai’s letter.

I to and not just Tatiana, have remained silent since the article published in the Cook Islands News on November 14, 2024, about the first Mosque in Rarotonga, and the subsequent newspaper articles, Letters to the Editor, opinion pieces, online comments, RAC comments, the removal of the Mosque pin on Google maps, and Parliament’s formation of a “special select committee”.

My silence was for two reasons: first, I do not feel the need to convince anyone about my right to practice Christianity introduced by the London Missionary Society, now known as the Cook Islands Christian Church Inc (CICC) in the Cook Islands, because it is the foundation of our people’s upbringing and everyone knows that. And it is for that reason that visitors and new residents are attracted to visit and live the Cook Islands. Secondly, we were close to completing the incorporation of the Cook Islands Christian Movement Inc (CICM) and we wanted to wait for that process to be completed. And in December 2024, Parliament invited people to make submissions on declaring the Cook Islands a Christian nation and on making submissions in respect to amending the Constitution of the Cook Islands and the Religious Organisations Restrictions Act 1975. And CICM has submitted its submission to Parliament. Whilst you acknowledge there were numerous Letters to the Editor, column pieces, and comments from educated and open-minded people in support of the right to religious freedom, and in support of Islam and Muslims. I have a different view to yours on freedom of religion, but I cannot share that with you because it is the subject of our submission to Parliament.

The CICM challenge on Government referenced by Tatiana was related to an event that took place in Parliament in April 2023 and not what Tatiana says for herself and her fellow Muslims on the island who do not feel they can. She has the wrong end of the stick. She is correct to repeat what I said that I have no issues with Muslims practicing their faith in their own home, the constitution provides for that but in my view the constitution does not go far enough to allow the establishment of a church or Mosque.

Pastor Clerk Turua is correct in saying that CICM is about uniting believers in Jesus and to serve the community with LOVE AND COMPASSION. Jesus is love and compassion, a true Christian will never do anything to displease Jesus. CICM stands and fights for Jesus, no one else. Salvation can only be achieved if you have that ultimate relationship with Jesus.

Yes, the CICM is made up of individuals from different Churches who have a relationship with Jesus.

I disagree with Tatiana that Muslims have a relationship with Jesus, because Muslims regard Jesus as a Prophets and Messenger in the Islamic faith. Jesus is not a Prophet, He is, the Messiah, Our Saviour, and Our Redeemer, He died on the cross for us. He took the beatings, the agony, and our sins to the cross.   Today, Jesus is very much alive, but Muhammad is still dead, in his grave. Whilst Islam is a monotheistic faith, Muslims strive to lead a life in accordance with Islamic principles, but they also rely on Allah’s mercy for salvation.

Here is an open invitation for you and your fellow Muslims to attend our Avarua CICC Church in town. I hope you can come.

God Bless the Cook Islands.

William Framhein.

Also read:

> Letter: Cook Islands Christian Movement

> New Christian Movement plans to challenge Government

> Church groups request to amend constitution: PM