The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is set to terminate 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 formed prior to the UMC’s decision to permit LGBTQ clergy and allow ministers to conduct same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman mentioned that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to resolutions passed at their general conference. “We have separated from the UMC and are now operating independently under our newly-registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church,” she confirmed.
The topic of LGBTQ rights was addressed at the church’s conference, where there was an emphasis on the importance of the government resisting LGBTQ inclusivity in Fiji. She indicated that the bilateral agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada had inhibited congregations that left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
“I asked the church to take a stand on this issue and address the bilateral agreement. Many iTaukei church members within the UMC are awaiting a response,” Qarase-Borman stated. She noted that recent discussions suggested a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusivity at the conference.
“It appears that the bilateral agreement will be terminated, and the Methodist Church in Fiji will initiate the legal process. We are grateful to the Methodist Church in Fiji for clearly articulating its stance on this matter,” she added. While she expressed care for her friends in the LGBTQ community, she emphasized the need for a defined boundary regarding the issue.