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 made prior to the UMC’s decision to allow LGBTQ clergy and permit same-sex wedding officiation.
Qarase-Borman noted that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to decisions made during their general conference. She emphasized that they are now functioning independently as the Santa Rosa Methodist Church.
The topic of LGBTQ issues was discussed at their conference, with Qarase-Borman highlighting the need for the Fijian government to continue resisting LGBTQ inclusivity. She pointed out that the existing bilateral agreement prevented congregations that had left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji.
Qarase-Borman expressed the urgency for the church to formally respond to the bilateral agreement, particularly as many iTaukei church members within the UMC are awaiting clarity on the matter. She suggested that discussions indicated a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusivity at the conference.
She confirmed that the bilateral agreement is expected to be terminated, with the Methodist Church in Fiji beginning the legal process to formalize this decision. While she expresses care for friends in the LGBTQ community, she insists on the importance of maintaining clear boundaries regarding the issue.