The Methodist Church in Fiji concluded its fourth day of the Annual Conference, Na Bose ko Viti, with the re-elections of a number of secretariat positions and new appointments for 2018.

Ratu Kadavulevu School chaplain Reverend Wilfred Sailasa Regunamada is now the new Secretary for Communication and Overseas Mission.

Reverend Regunamada replaces Reverend Bhagwan who has completed his term of five years. Rev Bhagwan will be on full-time leave to complete his PhD studies at the University of the South Pacific.
• Secretary of the Methodist Young People’s Department – Reverend Jone Davule
• Secretary for Evangelism, Mission and Stewardship – Rev Samuela Koroikocova
• Secretary for Christian Citizenship and Social Services – Rev Iliesa Naivalu
• Secretary for Lay Pastors, Lay Preachers and Worship – Rev Apete Toko
• Secretary for Methodist Men’s Fellowship – Rev Buisena Ravoka
• Secretary for Methodist Women’s Fellowship – Deaconess Salanieta Naucabalavu
• Secretary for Education – Waisake Ravatu
• Secretary for Non-Formal Education – Rev Semisi Turagavou
• Principal of the Methodist Lay Training Centre – Rev Josefa Katonibau
• Administrator of the Deaconess Order – Deaconess Meresiana Sadrata Kuricava
• Correctional Services Chaplain – Rev Josefa Tikonatabua
• Chaplain to the Fiji Military Forces – Rev Ilaitia Sevati Tuwere
• Chaplain to Fiji Police Force – Rev Isireli Kacimaiwai
• Secretary for Development – UsaiaVunibola
• Secretary for Land Registration and Development Unit – Rev Josefa Waqairatu
• Legal Advisor – SimioneValenitabua
• New appointments for 2018 are:
• Hospital Chaplain – Rev Jone Marika replaces Rev Maraya Ryland Nasenaivalu
• Principal for Davuilevu Theological College – Rev Jolame Lasawa who graduates this semester with a PhD in History from the University of the South Pacific will replace current principal Rev Anil Reuben.
• A new church accountant will also be chosen by the church as Rev. Sekaia Ratumudu is stepping down due to health reasons.

Meanwhile, the church annual conference yesterday received and approved its audited accounts for 2016/2017 and passed its 2017/2018 budget.

The conference agreed to form a special committee which will look into how the church raises funds for its annual budget apart from membership levies. The committee will report to Standing Committee, Annual Divisional Meetings and next year’s Annual Conference.

The Conference meeting concludes today with the Fiji Police Force facilitating discussions on how the Police and the Church can work together to address the current crime situation in Fiji.

President, Vice President, General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary-elect will be inducted during the Sunday morning special service.
The service will be held at the Centenary Church at 10am and will feature hymns from the different ethnic communities in the church. The preacher will be former President, Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca.

All new appointees will take up their positions in January 2018.

Urban migration
Urban migration is one of the reasons for the decline in membership within the church.
This was revealed yesterday by church communications secretary Reverend James Bhagwan.
Reverend Bhagwan said the church was aware of the mass migrations due to the destruction by Category Five Cyclone Winston last year.

Edited: Karalaini Waqanidrola
Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj