The Methodist Church of Fiji has initiated a call for a thorough review of its Constitution. The newly appointed president of the church, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou, urged all ministers and dignitaries to avoid smoking cigarettes and to practice moderation in their consumption of kava.
He emphasized the importance of leading by example, stating, “We should be advocates of good. This healthy and productive life should begin with us.” He reminded attendees that as ambassadors of Christ, their physical wellbeing reflects their spiritual health, asserting that organizational discipline must start from within the church itself.
This appeal was made during his address at the 2024 Methodist Conference held at the Centenary Church in Suva, where he presented one of ten proposals aimed at fostering the church’s 60th anniversary. Turagavou highlighted the need for clerical appointments to be merit-based, particularly for positions within conference departments, schools, and chaplaincy roles, emphasizing that superintendent appointments should also reflect performance.
He proposed the introduction of a roving minister in the church’s Department of Evangelism and Outreach to address conflicts, controversial matters, and tensions among church communities. Turagavou stressed the importance of having an active and responsive committee in evangelism and outreach, as it is crucial to the church’s mission.
He called for the training of ministers and leaders to become visionary and exemplary figures, capable counselors, skilled mediators, and proficient asset managers, with a strong focus on ecological and ecumenical engagements.