Uniting Church supports Fijian Methodist leaders taken by army

The Uniting Church in Australia has today offered its prayerful support for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, the day after four Methodist Church leaders were detained at the Army Camp.

The Uniting Church received word overnight that the Methodist Church’s General Secretary, Accountant, and two Past Presidents were all being held at the Army Camp for interrogation.

The Methodist Church recently made a decision to continue with its annual Conference in August, despite a ban imposed by the current military regime.

President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Alistair Macrae, said it was believed the four Church leaders had been targeted as the Methodist Church was proceeding with the Annual Conference.

Mr Macrae has written to the leaders of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, offering prayers of support and solidarity.

In his communication, Mr Macrae said, “You will be aware that the Uniting Church Assembly, in its triennial meeting this past week, has been receiving reports about developments with deep concern; and during our meeting prayed for you all on a number of occasions”.

“Please be assured of our solidarity with you in prayer and in any other ways that our sisters and brothers in the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma may consider helpful.” 

Mr Macrae said it was an extremely anxious time for all involved and the Uniting Church would continue to communicate in whatever ways possible to maintain contact with their partner church.