The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is set 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, stated that this agreement was formed prior to the UMC’s decisions to accept LGBTQ clergy and allow its ministers to officiate same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman detailed that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May as a response to some decisions made during their general conference. “We have separated from the UMC and are now functioning independently under our newly registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church,” she said.
The topic of LGBTQ rights was addressed at their own conference, where they expressed the importance of the government maintaining resistance to LGBTQ inclusivity in Fiji. Qarase-Borman pointed out that the existing agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada restricted congregations that had left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
She mentioned that many iTaukei church members within the UMC are awaiting clarity on this matter. Recent discussions have suggested that the conference does not endorse LGBTQ inclusivity. “It is my understanding that the bilateral agreement will be concluded, and the Methodist Church in Fiji will begin the legal process. We appreciate the Methodist Church in Fiji for clearly articulating its stance on this issue,” Qarase-Borman remarked.
While expressing care for friends within the LGBTQ community, she stressed the importance of maintaining clear boundaries regarding this topic.