Methodist church president warns ministers again

The president of the Meth­odist Church, Reverend Semisi Turagavou, has cautioned all church ministers and deaconesses against ex­cessive kava consumption and smoking. Those found smoking or exhib­iting physical symptoms of ex­cessive kava consumption will face suspension.

The warning was delivered during the church’s annual ministers’ retreat at the Yatu Lau Conference Centre in Suva yesterday, where Methodist ministers from the 59 divisions and their chief stewards gath­ered. Reverend Turagavou urged ministers to adhere to the 2024 conference resolution, which mandates that all ministers and deaconesses refrain from smok­ing.

“All ministers and deaconess­es are to refrain from smoking cigarettes,” Reverend Turaga­vou told the gathering. “We are implementing the 2024 conference resolution-church ministers must refrain from smoking if they wish to con­tinue serving in the ministry. Breaching this resolution will result in a six-month suspen­sion.”

He also pointed out the need for ministers to exercise disci­pline when drinking kava. “You are urged to control your kava drinking. If anyone is found with physical symptoms of excessive kava consumption, they will face suspension for six months to one year,” he added.

Reverend Turagavou called for greater self-discipline among ministers, stressing the impor­tance of setting a good example both in front of church mem­bers and before God. “You need to be disciplined in front of our church members and, most importantly, before God-the one who called us into the ministry,” he said.

Looking ahead, Reverend Tur­agavou announced that, from 2026, all stewards (vakatawa) of the church would also be required to refrain from smoking.

“We enter churches and see cigarette butts everywhere. This needs to change. The con­gregation is watching us,” he said. “We must change this image, both in the eyes of the people and before God.”

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