The President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, has urged ministers and deaconesses to reduce their consumption of yaqona (grog) and smoking. He highlighted this issue among several others during his opening address at the 2024 Methodist Church Conference held at the Centenary church in Suva on Friday.
Reverend Turagavou pointed out that the church is facing declining membership, partly due to concerns over excessive yaqona consumption and smoking among its leaders, which have driven some members away. He noted that many followers have expressed dissatisfaction and a lack of confidence in the church’s leadership at various levels.
Emphasizing the impact of these behaviors on the church’s image, he remarked that the portrayal of Christ has been negatively affected. He indicated that faithful members are leaving the church for other denominations and religious groups, urging ministers to take immediate action to restore the church’s integrity and image.
Reverend Turagavou called for a reassessment of leadership dynamics, suggesting that reliance on tradition and seniority should be balanced with performance and accountability in the church’s management.