The Methodist Church in Fiji has announced a new disciplinary move: the luva ni tai practice, a post-service ritual often linked with kava drinking and the taking off of neckties, will be banned. The rule, unveiled at the church’s annual conference, will take effect on January 1, 2026. In addition, lay preachers will now be barred from smoking cigarettes and both native tobacco or suki. Previously, these bans applied only to church ministers; they are now extended to lay preachers as well.
Church president Reverend Doctor Semisi Turagavou said the time had come for lay preachers to live a disciplined life in service to Christ. “The luva ni tai practiced after church service is an issue and is still a big issue and must stop immediately,” he stated. He argued that the practice runs counter to the church’s resolutions from the 2020-2030 Conference and does not contribute to church growth, instead weakening the body and spiritual life of the church.
Dr Turagavou urged a renewed focus on advancing Christ’s church, explaining that the current move is part of re-evaluating and reviving the church’s mission, and aligning leadership with the Holy Spirit. He described the Methodist Church as a missional body that must push beyond its comfort zone to realize its vision. The theme for the upcoming years centers on moving Christ’s church to another level.
The directive fits into a broader, ongoing reform program within the church, which in recent years has also emphasized reducing yaqona (kava) use and smoking among leaders, reviewing lay minister curricula, and strengthening youth and child welfare initiatives. Earlier statements from church leadership highlighted concerns about leadership conduct and its impact on the church’s public image and membership, with the aim of restoring confidence and fostering a more cohesive, spiritually vibrant community.
In addition to the new bans, leaders have signaled a sustained push toward leadership accountability and improved training for ministers. The reforms are presented as a hopeful step toward revitalizing church life, attracting new members, and sharpening the church’s mission in Fiji.
Additional value and context for readers:
– This move is part of a continuing pattern of discipline-focused reforms led by Reverend Turagavou, who has repeatedly urged ministers and dignitaries to model Christ-like behavior.
– The timing aligns with prior announcements that broader leadership groups would be encouraged to reduce or abstain from smoking and alcohol-related practices by 2026, reinforcing a longer-term reform strategy.
– Observers may watch for how these changes affect lay preacher participation, church events, and post-service fellowship practices, as communities adjust to new norms.
– The emphasis on discipline is tied to ongoing efforts to bolster church credibility, improve member retention, and strengthen engagement with youth and the broader community.
Summary: The Methodist Church in Fiji is expanding its discipline program to ban luva ni tai and extend smoking restrictions to lay preachers, with enforcement beginning on January 1, 2026. The move reflects a broader, multi-year reform agenda aimed at revitalizing church life, improving leadership standards, and strengthening the church’s mission and public image. The outcome is hoped to be a more unified, spiritually robust congregation and renewed growth.
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