The President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, has once again urged ministers and deaconesses to reduce their consumption of yaqona (grog) and smoking.
In his opening speech at the 2024 Methodist Church Conference held at the Centenary church in Suva, Reverend Turagavou highlighted various pressing issues contributing to the decline in church membership.
He noted that the church has faced criticism for excessive yaqona consumption and smoking in front of congregants, which has led some members to leave the church due to inconsistent and impractical leadership. “Our followers have publicly expressed their grievances and lack of confidence in church leadership at both circuit and divisional levels,” he stated, underscoring that such behaviors have negatively impacted the church’s image of Christ.
Reverend Turagavou pointed out that many faithful members have begun to join other denominations and religious organizations. He urged ministers and deaconesses to take immediate action to restore the true image of Christ within the church and emphasized the need to balance seniority with performance in church leadership roles.