Social Democratic Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he will continue as a Methodist Church lay preacher despite his involvement in politics.

Mr Rabuka also dismissed concerns over his involvement in a church service at the Imanueli Methodist Church in Nadera on Sunday. He said the concerns would never have been raised in the first place if people understood the genuine meaning of secularism.

He said he was not mixing politics with religion while speaking at the SODELPA Thanksgiving Service and as far as he was concerned his conscience was clear.

The service was attended by over 50 people including SODELPA senior members and Opposition MPs Aseri Radrodro, Salote Radrodro, Ratu Sela Nanovo and Mikaele Leawere.

Methodist Church in Fiji president Reverend Tevita Banivanua yesterday said all political parties were welcome to conduct church services at any Methodist churches.

“We welcome any political party to come and worship in our churches,” Reverend Banivanua said.

“They can come and organise themselves for their own prayers to pray for their party and pray for Fiji.”

Reverend Banivanua said lay preachers were allowed to be involved in politics because they were not paid by the Methodist Church.

Meanwhile, Mr Rabuka has also confirmed that he would be travelling to Australia soon on a private visit and would meet SODELPA supporters there as they had requested to meet him.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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