The head of the Catholic Church in Fiji says the church has a role in politics.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says those accusing him of mixing religion with politics were in denial.
The archbishop was chief guest at last week's opposition National Federation Party AGM in Suva.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. Photo: Supplied/Archdiocese of Suva
He has since been criticised for accepting the NFP's invitation.
Archbishop Chong said the church's role was not to decide on policies but to promote care and ensure there was a just society.
"That there's sustainable development. There's care for the environment. Whether people call it mixing church and religion - but definitely the church has a voice and that needs to be aired when it concerns society and where injustice or the exploitation of the environment is concerned," he said.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said the church and religion should be the moral compass for any society.
He urged the government to allow full participation of its people in the consultative processes and not just a few chiefs.
He said he met some people from Votua in Ba and Dawasamu in Naitasiri who had raised their concerns about not being informed of consultations taking place and about their areas.