Resign if you want to enter politics, says the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma president the Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.
He made the comment in the wake of pastors recently expressing interest in joining political parties to contest the 2022 General Election.
Mr Vunisuwai said their ministers were free to enter politics, provided they surrendered their positions in the church.
“We are all aware of our principle. It’s quite clear to everyone,” he said.
“We have a policy. If anyone wants to stand up in politics, they have to resign from their clerical position post as ministers.”
Mr Vunisuwai said after the lapse of their term in politics, their ministers were free to return.
“This is not the first time; some have done that in the past.
“They resigned and they stood for election. “Either they lose or win. After the lapse of their term in politics, they are free to come back to the church and seek readmission.
“It’s always the case. If you want to go that path, you have to go through the procedure.
“We adhere to freedom. That’s the freedom of their choice. They are free to do so. All they have to do is to bring it up in the meetings and we decide.
“We don’t take strong decisions and say ‘no’. “We enhance the freedom of the individuals.”
Mr Vunisuwai said they were looking forward to the general election.
“My message to the Methodist Church congregation is this — please go to the poll and use your freedom to choose the government that will lead us for the next four years.
“That’s our Christian responsibility. All members must go to the poll.
“Whichever government comes into power, we will stand by it.”
