The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has yet to make a determination regarding its ties with a partner church that endorses LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. A church community from Nevada, USA, has formally requested that the Methodist Church sever its connection with the United Methodist Church (UMC).
Reverend Sekove Veisa, part of a delegation that visited Fiji earlier this year, expressed optimism for a different outcome in the coming year. He noted, “In May of this year, the UMC held another meeting where same-sex marriage was on the agenda, and it was once again agreed upon.” He stated that many individuals have left the UMC following this unanimous decision and emphasized their desire to completely dissociate from the UMC to align with the Methodist Church in Fiji.
Veisa pointed out a challenge posed by a bilateral agreement that the Methodist Church in Fiji (MCIF) has with the UMC, which was established before the approval of same-sex marriage. The church community has raised concerns about whether this agreement will be reviewed now that same-sex marriage has been legalized.
He expressed satisfaction with the church president’s response to inquiries about the position of the church regarding this matter. Veisa concluded, “We wish to cut ties with the UMC in America, and we request the MCIF to do the same due to the approval of same-sex marriage. That is our current situation, and we anticipate a review with results next year.”
MCIF General Secretary Jolame Lasawa acknowledged the concerns presented by the American delegation but emphasized the need for caution due to the existing agreement with the UMC.