The President of the Methodist Church of Fiji, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, has made a significant appeal to senior lay ministers and clergy, urging them to discontinue smoking and minimize their consumption of yaqona, a traditional drink. This call to action was made during the recent Lotu ni Vakavoi service celebration, where Reverend Turagavou emphasized that the church could thrive if its members adhered to these guidelines.
In his speech, he noted that many congregants are feeling “enslaved” by their continuous consumption of kava, which, coupled with smoking, has raised concerns about the church’s overall image and leadership integrity. He referred to the founder of the Methodist Church, Reverend Dr. John Wesley, highlighting his concerns from the 1700s about the church’s commitment to spiritual convictions rather than its numerical growth.
Reverend Dr. Turagavou pointed out that the current membership of the church stands at 186,865, with aspirations to increase this number to 190,000 by the end of 2025 and reach 200,000 by 2027. He made a heartfelt appeal for unity in maintaining the “Holy Spirit fire” that he described as emblematic of the church.
This message echoes the sentiments he shared during the recent Methodist Church Conference in Suva, where he stated that the excessive use of yaqona and smoking among leaders has been criticized, contributing to a decline in church membership. He urged church leaders to reflect on their behaviors, as many followers have expressed a lack of confidence in leadership due to these issues.
Rev Dr. Turagavou’s call represents a critical moment for the Methodist Church in Fiji as it seeks to reinforce its spiritual foundations and attract new members while addressing the concerns of its existing congregation. By focusing on personal conduct and accountability within its ranks, the church aims to restore its image and strengthen its community ties.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between cultural practices and spiritual integrity, promoting healthier lifestyles among church leaders while fostering a unified church community. The proactive steps taken by Reverend Dr. Turagavou are hopeful for the future stability and growth of the Methodist Church in Fiji.
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