The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma plans to officially terminate its bilateral agreement with the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the United States. Talei Qarase-Borman, president of the Santa Rosa Methodist Church board, noted that the agreement was formed prior to the UMC’s decision to allow LGBTQ clergy and to permit its ministers to officiate at same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman mentioned that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to the general conference’s decisions. “We have separated from the UMC and are now operating independently under our newly registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church,” she declared.
The topic of LGBTQ rights was a key discussion point during their conference, where there was a strong sentiment against LGBTQ inclusivity from congregations. Qarase-Borman also highlighted that the bilateral agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada made it difficult for congregations that had left to join the Methodist Church in Fiji.
She urged her church to address the bilateral agreement, as many iTaukei church members associated with the UMC are eager for a resolution. “It has become clear from recent discussions that the conference does not support LGBTQ inclusivity,” she stated.
Qarase-Borman expressed gratitude to the Methodist Church in Fiji for its stance on this issue and indicated that the process to terminate the bilateral agreement would soon be initiated. While she cherishes her friends in the LGBTQ community, she affirmed the need for clear boundaries regarding this matter.