Methodist Church seeks dismissal of civil lawsuit

The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma has filed a strike-out application before the High Court in Suva, seeking the dismissal of a civil suit initiated by one of its members.

Suspended Minister of the Methodist Church, Australian Division, Reverend Pauliasi Tabulutu, has named the church president, Semisi Turagavou, and the church itself in the lawsuit over his alleged unlawful suspension since April.

In the suit, Rev Tabulutu claims that Rev Turagavou suspended him over allegations of spreading incorrect information regarding the Australian Division’s status and violating church resolutions on excessive yaqona (kava) consumption.

He argues that Rev Turagavou improperly invoked emergency powers under the MCIF Constitution and that principles of natural justice were violated when he was denied the opportunity to present his defence before the Standing Committee.

The matter was first called yesterday morning before Justice Warleen George, where lawyer Simione Valenitabua Jr. appeared for the defendants, and Simione Valenitabua Sr. represented the plaintiff.

The defendants informed the court that the strike-out application had already been filed last week at the High Court Civil Registry. Mr. Valenitabua Jr. told the court that the application could not be processed because he had not yet confirmed his appointment as the defendants’ representative.

He told the court that an acknowledgement of service had already been filed.

Justice George will review the file before making further decisions. She also confirmed that she would address the strike-out application first, before considering the substantive matter.

The case was adjourned to August 29.