Methodist Church rules out same-sex marriage talks

The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma has reaffirmed its stance against same-sex marriage by making it clear the topic is not on the agenda at its annual conference. 

The annual discussions that will begin Thursday will delve on talks regarding the welfare of the Methodist congregation in Fiji and Rotuma.  

Church president Reverend Semisi Turagavou confirmed that while conversations around the issue have surfaced in the past, particularly influenced by discussions from countries such as the United States of America and Australia, the church remains firmly opposed to the practice. 

“There were proposals and talks around the issue, but we say a big no to it,” Rev Turagavou said.

“It is not something we will be practising. It is against our faith.” 

He added that same-sex marriage will not be included in the agenda for this year's conference, scheduled for next week.

The issue was briefly raised during last year’s conference, but church leaders have since made a definitive decision. 

“We have made our decision,” Rev Turagavou said. “It is not in the agenda this year, and we won’t entertain it.” 

The Methodist Church of Fiji, which represents the largest Christian denomination in the country, maintains that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman, based on its theological teachings and scriptural beliefs. 

The Methodist Church has previously expressed concerns about western cultural influences affecting traditional Christian values across the Pacific, and leaders said they intended to uphold their doctrines despite shifting global attitudes