Me t h o d i s t Church minis­ters face a life ban if they are found guilty of serious miscon­duct and ill-discipline.

This is the first time that the church is taking this hardline approach to stamp out bad behaviour that breaches the church’s code of ethics and conduct.

General Secretary Reverend Ili Vunisu- wai said before offending talatalas (reverends or min­isters) could apply for pardon and reapply to be rein­stated.

“That provision has now been removed,” he said.

“This used to be for five years but in the new reso­lution we thought that this has to be changed,” he added.

He could not disclose more details, saying he did not have the complete figures.

But it is understood that the cases relate to the al­leged abuse of office for sexual favours and financial gains.

Of particular concern to the church are the cases of alleged adultery and fornication.

“Those caught doing it will be suspended for life,” he said.

The church’s communication Secretary, Reverend Wilfred Regunamada, said: “People saw that the num­ber of cases was escalating all the time and it was be­coming serious because we think of our members,” he said.

“They see us as role models. I have been going around to all the divisions and counselling the talatalas, ad­dressing the issues to the members and the solutions.

“We advise all the talatalas that the congregation is doing their part and we demand for the talatalas to do theirs.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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