ANY Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma minister intending to join a political party must resign from the church and leave the church premises.
This is the word from the president of the church, the Rev Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa, who said this was clearly stipulated in the church’s constitution.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama recently said church ministers must concentrate on the spiritual development of its members and not be involved in politics.
Mr Vakadewavosa said the constitution of the church was very precise, if a minister wanted to join a political party, according to the constitution, the minister should resign from the church and secondly, leave the premises and follow his dream if that was the minister’s right dream.
He said members of the church had also been advised to be cautious as Fiji prepared for the coming general election.
“On the side of the congregation, we are informing our congregation to be very cautious at this time.
Be prayerful, it is your responsibility as a citizen of this country to go to the poll and tick whatever party that is right to lead our country and we are very conscious about that.”
He also said he had not received any information of any Methodist Church minister intending to join a political party.
Mr Vakadewavosa, however, said the church’s facilities were open to every political party that wished to conduct their pocket meetings.
“Our church facilities are open to everybody — FijiFirst or any party, SODELPA or whatever.
There is a procedure if anyone wants to use any facility, just seek information from the church steward or the pastor as it is open to everybody,” he said.
