COVID-19 Unvaccinated Church Ministers Should Be Reinstated: A-G

Once the COVID-19 vaccination law was repealed, all laws that suspended unvaccinated church ministers from their role should also be revoked.

These were the sentiments shared by the Attorney-General Siromi Turaga during a consultation at Draunivi Village in Ra Province on Wednesday.

Mr Turaga said while he understood that laws during COVID-19 were strict, he pleaded with church leaders to reconsider that law.

"My view is clear."

"If those dismissals were based on a law that was by regulation or by legislation that once the repeal of that law basically that position taken by any other should be revoked," he said.

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"I understand the basis of the Methodist Church is not primitive of those pastors or ministers who did not take the COVID injections.

"I think there are lot of interpretations, but if you look strictly, that one was based on a government position.

"The government has changed following the repeal of that particular provision.

"Likewise, accordingly this one should be repealed."

Mr Turaga hopes this would also change within the Methodist Church now with a new president at the helm.

"I understand that the church will have a different approach this year.

"I would like to convey my views to the president and I do not want to be misinterpreted as disrespect.

Methodist Church President Reverend Semisi Turagavou had said unvaccinated ministers were told to appeal their case at the 2023 Annual Methodist Church Conference.

He added the church would prioritise the reinstatement of ministers.

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