Social Democratic Liberal Party candidate Sitiveni Weleilakeba Vodo says he has been relieved from his position as Nasinu Methodist Church social welfare circuit head to contest the 2022 General Election.
The role oversees eight churches in the Davuilevu Division with more than 2000 church members.
“Someone is acting in my role at the moment because I am campaigning for SODELPA,” the former unionist said.
“But under the Methodist Church constitution, the rule only applies to ordained ministers – that if they want to stand for elections, they will need to step down.
“If I am successful in the 2022 General Election and get a seat in Parliament then I will have to hand over my role as head of social welfare department to someone else.”
When quizzed about Mr Vodo’s case, head of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma president, the Rev Ili Vunisuwai said only ordained ministers were required to stand down if they wished to participate in politics.
“There is no need for church members involving themselves in church work to step down,” he said.
