The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has expressed its opposition to same-sex marriage. During the church’s annual conference, General Secretary Reverend Jolame Lawasa reiterated the church’s position, stating that there are ongoing discussions to clarify the agreements between the United Methodist Church (UMC) in America and the Methodist Church in Fiji.
“We have made our stand,” said Lawasa. “The Methodist Church opposes same-sex marriage. That is still our stance at the moment.”
He noted that some church members in the United States have distanced themselves from the UMC and are now seeking to connect with the Methodist Church in Fiji. Discussions have been initiated to address the existing bilateral agreements between both churches.
A Fijian church community in Nevada, California, has reached out to the Methodist Church in Fiji for affiliation following their separation from the United Methodist Church due to a 2019 decision that permitted LGBTQ clergy to officiate in same-sex marriages. This group has been informed that they will need to wait until next year as the Methodist Church in Fiji reviews its agreements with the UMC.