God giveth and taketh away

Pacific Island churches are coming under increasing scrutiny in the United States.

As in New Zealand, most Polynesian immigrants are devout Christians and their churches provide a social hub and support network.

But questions are being asked about whether the churches might be more of a hindrance than a help, taking money from those who can least spare it and creating a dependent, inward-looking congregation that won't adapt.

Businessman Sam Lea'ana says Pacific Islanders in the US have their priorities wrong and blames the church for fostering a backward mentality. "When you look at the white American community the focus is on family, education, then God. I think the Pacific Islanders' priorities here have completely reversed that."

Lea'ana is scathing of how Pacific Island churches drain financial resources instead of leaving the money with the families to improve their living standards. "God did not say give him money and live the poor life."

Lea'ana, a Christian, says "bad leaders" among church ministers assume chief-like roles, with churches sometimes mopping up 50 to 70 per cent of parishioners' incomes.

"If you look at a family of four bringing in only US$30,000 ($41,700) you can bet half of that is going on religious activities ... that to me is the number one reason why Samoan families here are failing."

The younger generation can see that it is time for church ministers to wake up, he says. "If we reform religion the community is going to have an excellent life." But he adds: "I have a lot of enemies for speaking out."

Community worker Mona Porotesano says US$12 million ($16.7 million) was raised to build her local church in just two years.

In Long Beach the Second Samoan Congregational United Church of Christ runs its own food distribution business, the proceeds going back to the church, and provides social programmes.

Porotesano is proud of the church's efforts, but she also wants people to break away from an over-reliance on church structures. She encourages Pacific Islanders to run for local bodies and provide a voice for their people.

Social worker Anastasia Loi-on says churches are failing to empower their congregations. For instance, many Pacific Islanders in America don't speak English, but little information is available in Pacific languages.

Loi-on says ministers provide no incentive for learning English, and instead concentrate on fund raising.

A frequent visitor to our shores, Loi-on says Pacific Islanders in New Zealand are miles ahead of their Californian counterparts. "You see more Pacific Island doctors and lawyers there [New Zealand]. They are relatively very advanced."