The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma plans 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, stated that the agreement was established prior to the UMC’s decision to embrace LGBTQ clergy and allow its ministers to perform same-sex weddings.
Qarase-Borman noted that her church disaffiliated from the UMC in May due to the outcomes of the UMC’s general conference. She mentioned, “We have separated from the UMC and are now operating independently under our newly-registered name, Santa Rosa Methodist Church.” She also pointed out that during their conference, the church underscored the importance of the government continuing to oppose LGBTQ inclusivity in Fiji.
According to Qarase-Borman, the existing bilateral agreement with the UMC of California/Nevada barred congregations that left the UMC from joining the Methodist Church in Fiji. She expressed that there is a need for the church to respond to the issue, as many iTaukei congregants within the UMC are awaiting clarity on the matter.
Qarase-Borman remarked that recent discussions indicated a lack of support for LGBTQ inclusivity among conference members. She anticipates that the bilateral agreement will be dissolved and that the Methodist Church in Fiji will begin the legal process to formalize this split. “We are grateful to the Methodist Church in Fiji for making this stand clear on this issue,” she added.
While she expressed care for her friends in the LGBTQ community, she emphasized the necessity of establishing clear boundaries regarding this issue.