Hindus react to Cook Islands Bishop accusation of idol worship

A leader of Fiji’s biggest Hindu religious organisation says a Cook Islands Bishop is misguided for opposing the public celebration of the festival of Diwali on Rarotonga.

Hindus react to Cook Islands Bishop accusation of idol worship (Credit: ABC)

A Cook Islands church leader says holding a public celebration of the Hindu festival of Diwali on Rarotonga is a blasphemy against the Christian god.

Tutai Pere, Bishop of the Apostolic Church of the Cook Islands, says Cook Islands is a christian country, and celebrating Diwali involves idolatory, which is a blasphemy against the Christian God.

Vijendra Prakash, the general secretary of the Sanatan Dharam in Fiji says Hinduism is monotheistic, and everyone should be able to practice their religion freely.

Presenter: Bruce Hill

Speaker: Vijendra Prakash, general secretary of Fiji’s biggest Hindu religious order Sanatan Dharam