It's not at all clear who's playing who -- or exactly what is and what is not allowed, or why -- but Government has revoked the Methodist church permit to hold an open air solevu (fundraising) gathering in Suva this Saturday citing further information that matters other than those for which the permit had been granted, would be discussed at the gathering. [See also the very different reasons reported by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, below]
The decision is a blow to church fundraising and will do nothing to enhance Government popularity among many Methodists, most of whom are ethnic Fijians. Many others will see the move as an infringement of religious freedom unless they agree with Government that elements within the church would use the gathering for destablizing political activity.
Earlier, Government had approved meetings of the Church Standing Committee on condition that they were attended only by ordained ministers. Ministers previously identified, and lay preachers, many of whom have political agendas, could not attend. It would seem either that the Church cannot, or will not, constrain its political elements, or that Government is acting unnecessarily and/or on false information.
Either way, the latest development increases tension between church and state, that had earlier appeared to be lessening as a result of compromises made by both parties. For more detail, click here.
To compound matters, a permit has been given to the New Methodist Church for a crusade in Suva next week that could attract over 20,000 members. Police Minister Esala Teleni is a member of this breakaway church, and the controversial police Christian Crusade against crime was of his making. Many will see Government's different stance on these two religious bodies as inconsistent. Photo: ABC.
Government directive
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Church president Reverend Ame Tugaue told FBC News that they will abide by Government’s decision to cancel the divisional conference that the church was planning to hold this week.
Reverend Tugaue however, says they will just ask their various divisions not to hold choir competitions or soli at division level but at church level.
He says this will be done informally, and not in an organized manner and whatever is collected will be enough – just as long as their spiritual lives are being improved.
The Government had announced yesterday that they have cancelled the Methodist Church’s planned annual divisional conference because of the monetary burdens it places on church members even at the planned divisional level and also because of the pending installment of the church president and general secretary whose case for breaching the P.E.R. are still before the courts. -- Fiji Broadcasting Corporation
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