Fiji, Oct. 15 -- Fiji Coalition partner the National Federation Party (NFP) wants Christianity removed as a founding constitutional value of the State, arguing that Fiji's next Constitution must protect the rights and identities of all religious communities.

NFP president Parmod Chand said the party's participation in Parliament's Special Committee reviewing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, and its support for the proposed changes, remained conditional on an extension of public consultation until mid-December and the adoption of key amendments.

The party's Management Board resolved that Christianity could receive appropriate historical recognition in the Constitution's preamble, but should not be entrenched as a founding constitutiona...