A rebel Methodist Church minister has been terminated for serious breaches of the church’s regulations and code of conduct.

The radical reverend’s alleged self-proclaimed prophecies, targeting certain politicians and religion, are also under Police investigations

The Methodist Church president, Reverend Tevita Banivanua, has cautioned other ministers that they should stick to the rule book.

He said the minister concerned, Reverend Ropoama Nabiri, “has been terminated and his recognition as Minister Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care in the Methodist Church has also been withdrawn.”

The decision was made after a ministerial session and prayerful  consideration on  January 27, 2017,

Reverend Banivanua said Reverend Ropoama had committed serious breaches of the Regulations for the Ministers of the Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care and the Code of Conduct of the Methodist Church in Fiji.

“He is now a member under pastoral care from the minister of the circuit in which he resides.”

“According to the Regulations for Ministers of the Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care of the Methodist Church in Fiji, if a former Minister whose recognition as a Minister has been withdrawn, desires to be reinstated as a Minister, he or she may after five years apply for reinstatement through the Leaders Meeting, Quarterly Meeting, Annual Divisional Meeting and Conference.

“If accepted, he or she is reinstated as a Minister and can be given an appointment.”

Mr Banivanua also stated that: “The specific charges and issues relating to the minister are, according to the aforementioned Ministerial Regulations, confidential.”

He also pointed out that prior to ordination, Methodist ministers, must express belief in the Doctrines of the Church, knowledge and acceptance of its discipline.

The probationer shall promise to retire quietly from the ministry if, during future service as a minister, personal views of doctrine or discipline change, stated Reverend Banivanua.

“According to our Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, any theological reflection, preaching, teaching, and discussion of the interpretation of God and God’s action and involvement in the world, the church, and in our individual lives is revealed through a balanced consideration of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

“Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.”

Reverend Banivanua encouraged all the Methodist preachers, teachers, lay pastors, deaconesses and ministers to be wary of any teaching, preaching or pronouncements that do not follow this basic process; that speak out of context from the true meaning of the Bible, profess a direct or unique revelation from God that is not consistent with the salvation history of the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures.

“Please remember that all teaching, preaching, praying and reflection must ultimately grow in loving God, loving neighbours, and loving one another as Christ loves us,” he said.

Mr Banivanua encouraged all members to familiarise themselves with the Methodist Church in Fiji’s 2016 Constitution and Regulations as well as the Code of Conduct as part of their contribution to transparency and accountability of leaders at all levels of the Church.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro yesterday confirmed that the matter was under Police investigation.

“Investigation is still ongoing,” she said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj