The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has not made a decision on its relationship with a partner church that accepts LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage.
A Fijian church community from Nevada, USA, said they made a formal request for the Methodist Church to sever ties with the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Reverend Sekove Veisa, a member of the delegation that visited Fiji this year, expressed confidence in a different result next year.
“In May this year there was another meeting by the UMC, and the agenda list was same-sex marriage, and once again it was agreed upon,” he said.
“A significant number have split from the UMC after this unanimous decision was made.
“Now we want to entirely break out of the UMC and join the Methodist Church in Fiji conference.
“There is one challenge, the bilateral agreement. The MCIF had an agreement with the UMC.
“We had raised the fact that the bilateral was signed before the same-sex marriage was approved.
“And we have asked the church, since it has been approved, will there be a review? That was the issue we brought up this year.
“However, I am happy that the president of the church has echoed sentiments on the issue when I asked him yesterday where the church stands.
“We want to cut ties from the UMC America, and we request that the MCIF cut ties as well because it has approved same-sex marriage.
“That is where we are at right now? It will be reviewed, and we shall see the result next year.”
MCIF general secretary, Jolame Lasawa, said the church has acknowledged the issue raised by the American delegation, however, they would have to tread carefully because of the initial agreement with the UMC.
