The new president of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, stated that there should be a distinct separation between the church and the vanua. During his opening speech at the 2024 Methodist Church of Fiji conference, he emphasized to the delegates that the church is not inherently a part of the vanua.
“The church does not belong to the vanua; it is a Trinitarian community within it. Both the church and the vanua belong to God,” he remarked. Dr. Turagavou acknowledged that ministers have been held responsible for fostering a negative relationship between the Lord and the vanua. Instead of promoting a gospel of love and unity, they have often been seen as contributors to discord and divisions among the people.
He urged the need to resolve differences with traditional leaders to prevent adverse effects on the organization’s future. Dr. Turagavou highlighted the essential role that ministers and dignitaries have within the vanua, insisting that they need to uphold this responsibility.
“The church was not established for us as ministers and dignitaries but for Jesus Christ and the glory of his name. My role as president is not to shield you, my brothers and sisters, as you are already safeguarded by the church,” he added. Dr. Turagavou expressed his optimism that God’s spirit will rejuvenate the church and restore the true image of Christ.