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. He delivered this message amidst several pressing concerns during his opening remarks at the 2024 Methodist Church Conference held at the Centenary Church in Suva on Friday.
Reverend Turagavou highlighted various issues contributing to a decline in church membership. He pointed out that the church has faced criticism for excessive yaqona consumption and the unacceptable practice of smoking in front of congregants. He noted that some church affiliates have left the Methodist community due to inconsistent and impractical leadership styles.
He stated that followers have expressed their dissatisfaction and lack of confidence in the leadership at both circuit and divisional levels, suggesting that the behavior and leadership styles within the church have distorted the image of Christ.
Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Reverend Turagavou observed that many loyal members are departing the church for other denominations and religious organizations. He urged ministers and deaconesses to take immediate action to restore the true image of Christ within the church.
“We can no longer depend solely on seniority from within our families; we must strive for a balance between seniority and performance,” he concluded.