During the opening of the 2024 Methodist Church of Fiji conference, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, the newly appointed president, emphasized the need for a clear distinction between the church and the vanua. He articulated that the church does not belong to the vanua, nor is it an intrinsic element of it, but rather serves as a trinitarian community within the vanua, both entities dedicated to God.
Dr. Turagavou pointed out that ministers are often blamed for causing a rift between the Lord and the vanua, stating that they should be spreading messages of love and unity instead of fostering hatred and division among the people. He called for a resolution of differences with traditional leaders to avoid negative repercussions for the future of the organization.
The president urged ministers and leaders to recognize the importance of their roles in the vanua, reminding them that the church was established not for their glorification, but for Christ’s glory. He expressed confidence that God’s spirit would revitalize the church and restore its true representation of Christ.