Methodists still banned

Radio Fiji has reported that Commodore Bainimarama has again re-affirmed Government’s earlier decision not to give permit to the Methodist Church for the annual Methodist Church of Fiji conference.

Bainimarama says his one hour meeting with Methodist executives this morning did not produce any positive results and that his earlier decision will not be altered.

“The decision is that we’ve postponed the Methodist Conference until next year. That’s the final decision by the Government. That is being made known to the [Methodist] President and the General Secretary,” he said.

Methodist Church General Secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu has said the church’s executive council will have to meet first before they can make a statement on the issue. It seems sadly that they are fast running out of options.

UnitingWorld Associate General Secretary (Pacific) Mr Bruce Mullan said Uniting Church President Rev Gregor Henderson will be contacting the World Council of Churches to advise them of what has been happening and the Uniting Church’s concerns about the situation.

“It is our sincere prayer that the worldwide Christian church will gather around the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma in solidarity and with love,” Mr Mullan said.

“We wish to stand in genuine solidarity with the Methodist Church leaders as they demonstrate great courage in responding with grace, patience and dignity to the provocations they have faced.”