The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is moving to 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 acceptance of LGBTQ clergy and the approval for ministers to officiate same-sex weddings.
Following decisions made at the UMC’s general conference, the Santa Rosa Methodist Church disaffiliated from the UMC in May and is now functioning independently under a new name. Qarase-Borman highlighted the importance of the Fijian government continuing to resist LGBTQ inclusivity.
She criticized the agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada, stating it hindered congregations that chose to leave the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji. Qarase-Borman called for the church to address this agreement and indicated that many iTaukei church members in the UMC are awaiting clarity on the matter.
Recent discussions suggested a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusivity at the conference, prompting Qarase-Borman to confirm plans for the termination of the bilateral agreement, initiating legal action by the Methodist Church in Fiji. She expressed gratitude for the church’s clear stance, while also acknowledging her friendship with members of the LGBTQ community, emphasizing the need for established boundaries on the issue.