WITH the Methodist Church Conference just weeks away, pressure is mounting to review the agreement between the Methodist Church in Fiji and the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA).
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) allows the Methodist Church to operate under the UCA in Australia, but concerns have surfaced over the UCA’s support for same-sex marriage, a stance the Methodist Church firmly opposes.
Reverend Pau Tabulutu, head of the Fiji Methodist Church in Australia, said they wanted the agreement changed — not cancelled.
“We have put this forward and are waiting for our leaders to make the decision together,” he said.
Mr Tabulutu said Fijian congregations under the UCA continued to reject same-sex marriage, in line with Fiji’s traditional Methodist beliefs.
“The memorandum of understanding outlines areas where the two churches can work together. We do not want it to be revoked, but to be amended.”
He said the rise in Fijian settlements in Australia meant the MOU should reflect changing realities.
“So, we believe the memorandum should be amended accordingly.”
Questions sent to Methodist Church in Fiji general secretary Jolame Lawasa remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
