THE Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma is moving to dismantle its compulsory levy culture, with president Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou saying members should no longer feel pressured or shamed into meeting fixed financial demands.
Speaking during the annual conference yesterday, Mr Turagavou called for a shift towards what he described as “heart and faith giving”.
Under the proposed system, members would decide what they are able and willing to give rather than being required to meet fixed compulsory levies set by the church.
Mr Turagavou said the current system could turn giving into an obligation rather than an expression of faith.
“Giving is an act of faith,” he said.
“It should flow from gratitude for what God has already done for us – not from fear of a levy notice or the shame of a name read out for falling short.”
He said the transition would not happen immediately and would require teaching, trust and a change in the way congregations understand their financial responsibilities.
The move is also linked to the church’s efforts to generate more income from its own assets and businesses.
Mr Turagavou said revenue from “Lakoyani” management, including the church’s new Davuilevu service station and commercial developments was already helping reduce that burden.
“Lakoyani is now putting money back into the church, lightening the load that has for so long rested on the shoulders of our congregations.”
He said the long-term goal was for each division, circuit and church to become financially self-reliant.
“Our goal must be self-sustaining, self-reliant divisions, circuits, and churches – places where we no longer need to demand from our congregations, but where whatever they give is offered freely, from the heart, as an overflow of worship.”
