THE president of the Methodist Church in Fiji says the issue of same-sex marriage is causing a rift between church members overseas.
In his opening address to church ministers and leaders during the annual Bose Ko Viti conference yesterday, the Rev Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa described the issue as “of great concern”.
He said church leaders in the US, New Zealand and Australia raised the issue during his visit abroad.
Dr Vakadewavosa said while the church in Fiji did not condone same-sex marriage, it was open to talks.
He reminded the church ministers and leaders that the church must protect its relationship with God and to pray for those seeking the truth.
“But we are appreciative, we can have discussions on that and at the same time maintain our partnership,” he said.
“It is a very critical issue and we are very concerned about our members overseas who are getting away from our main partner churches.
“We are trying to improve that, we are proposing that it would be good to further our discussions with our partner churches overseas with the Bible as the centre and foundation of our discussion — from there to move on.”
Dr Vakadewavosa also sought prayers from members of the church regarding the issue “which was sensitive in nature”.
The church’s annual general meeting continues today at the Centenary Church in Suva.
