The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is set to terminate its bilateral agreement with the United Methodist Church (UMC) based in the United States. Talei Qarase-Borman, president of the Santa Rosa Methodist Church board, noted that the agreement was established prior to the UMC’s decision to allow LGBTQ clergy and grant ministers the authority to officiate same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman clarified that her church distanced itself from the UMC in May due to the 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 stated.
The topic of LGBTQ issues was discussed at their conference, where they reinforced the need for the government to continue opposing LGBTQ inclusivity in Fiji. Qarase-Borman mentioned that the agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada had barred congregations leaving the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
She expressed the need for a definitive stance from the church regarding the bilateral agreement, especially as many iTaukei church members within the UMC await a response. “It has become clear from recent discussions that the conference is not in favor of LGBTQ inclusivity,” she added.
According to her, the bilateral agreement will indeed be revoked, and the Methodist Church in Fiji will begin the legal proceedings to finalize this action. Qarase-Borman expressed gratitude towards the Methodist Church in Fiji for clarifying its position on this delicate issue. She also acknowledged her friendships within the LGBTQ community, stating, “I have friends in the LGBTQ community who I care about dearly, but there must be a clear boundary in this matter.”