Cheating pastors terminated

The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma has terminated its pastors from carrying out their duties because of their engagement in adulterous or extramarital affairs.

This was confirmed by the church’s president, Reverend Ili Vunisuwai, in an interview with the media on Kia Island, Macuata, last Sunday.

Reverend Vunisuwai was attending the endorsement church service commemorating the arrival of Christianity on the island.

During his sermon, he spoke strongly about respecting marital boundaries and said that it was equally important for the members of the congregation to honour the sacrament of marriage.

"Ni maroroya nomuni vakamau (keep your marriage safe)," he told the congregation.

Following this sermon, the media asked Reverend Vunisuwai if there had been any recent reports received by the church that concerned pastors.

He confirmed the church had received complaints and was dealing with the issue on a “case-by-case basis”.

Reverend Vunisuwai said complaints were lodged at church headquarters in Suva.

“We have a policy in place regarding this. There is no fuss about it; I stand by my word that holy living is an important part of our denomination,” he said.

When asked about the consequences pastors would face, he stopped short but asserted that they had a process to follow.

Reverend Vunisuwai said the church encouraged its pastors and people to preserve holiness, which is fundamental to elevating their spiritual lives.

Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj