The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is set 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 the agreement was put in place prior to the UMC’s decision to allow LGBTQ clergy and to permit ministers to officiate at same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman noted that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to decisions made during the UMC’s general conference. “We have separated from the UMC and are now operating independently under our newly-registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church,” she affirmed.
The topic of LGBTQ rights was discussed at their conference, where there was an emphasis on the need for the Fijian government to continue opposing LGBTQ inclusivity. She further explained that the agreement with the UMC’s California/Nevada branch restricted congregations that dissociated from the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
Qarase-Borman expressed the importance of taking a clear stance on the issue and indicated that many iTaukei church members within the UMC are awaiting a response. She conveyed that discussions indicate a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusivity during the recent conference.
“It is my understanding that the bilateral agreement will be terminated, and the Methodist Church in Fiji will begin the legal process. We are thankful to the Methodist Church in Fiji for making its position clear on this issue,” said Qarase-Borman. She acknowledged her friends in the LGBTQ community but emphasized the necessity of defining boundaries with respect to this matter.