Methodist Church GS Appointment Never about Race or Politics
“We do not entertain racism in the church,” he said.
Thursday 31 August 2023 | 13:04
Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma President Reverend Ili Vunisuwai (left) with President elect, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou during the Methodist Church annual conference at Furnival Park in Toorak on August 30, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The appointment of Reverend Jolami Lasama as the new general secretary for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma was never about race, says Reverend Ili Vunisuwai.
The outgoing church president made the comment after an outburst on social media, where people labelled the appointment as racist.
“We do not entertain racism in the church,” he said.
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“It is not political as well. It is their freedom to choose.”
Many Fijians thought Reverend Anil Reuben, who is a Fijian of Indian descent, would be next in line after Reverend Semisi Turagavou.
“Doesn’t look right. How long does Reverend Ruben have to be a deputy secretary before he can qualify to be a GS and then president? Not looking good,” a man wrote on Facebook.
Reverend Reuben has two years left on the deputy secretary position.
Reverend Vunisuwai clarified the appointment was through a secret ballot election, which was also practised previously.
“It’s the normal practice,” he said.
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