Samoas Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, believes the chair of the National Council of Churches is misguided in his views on domestic violence.
Photo: 123RF
Deacon Kasiano Le'aupepe has said the reason there is too much violence is people have strayed from God's teachings.
Maiava, who is also an ordained Anglican minister, said he supports the deacon's suggestion people should turn to God in "supplication for misbehaving", but in conjunction with many other activities.
He said people couldn't just pray and hope God will fix it.
Maiava said this was a very misguided way of trying to address the problem.
On Human Rights Day he told the Samoa Observer that general confusion in Samoa over what human rights are is slowing down the process towards being free of violence.
He said human rights were no different to the rights of Samoan customs, tradition and culture, and the Christian principles they believe.
