The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is moving forward with plans to end 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 decision to allow LGBTQ clergy and to permit same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman highlighted that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to resolutions made at their general conference, stating, “We have separated from the UMC and are now operating independently under our newly-registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church.” She noted that the topic of LGBTQ inclusion was addressed during their conference, reinforcing the importance of resisting LGBTQ inclusivity within Fiji.
She expressed concern that the bilateral agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada hindered congregations that left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji. Qarase-Borman urged the church to take a definitive stance on this issue, as many iTaukei church members within the UMC are awaiting an official response.
Recent discussions revealed a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusion at the conference, leading Qarase-Borman to believe that the bilateral agreement will be terminated, prompting the Methodist Church in Fiji to begin legal proceedings to formalize this change. While she expressed love and care for her friends in the LGBTQ community, she insisted on establishing clear boundaries on this matter.