Methodist Church Assistant General Secretary Reverend Dr Anil Reuben has backed the Church President’s push for ministers and lay preachers to abstain from smoking and reduce kava consumption, saying the health and wellbeing of church leaders must be taken seriously.
Reuben says too many Methodist ministers are becoming sick at a young age, with their families also affected when they become seriously ill or die early.
He recalled seeing young children come to the Church office after losing both parents, saying experiences like these have strengthened his belief that ministers need to take greater responsibility for their health.
Reuben says the concern raised by the Church President Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou, is about protecting the health and wellbeing of ministers, pastors and other church leaders.
He says the Church is already taking steps to address excessive kava consumption, while the proposed stand against smoking would apply to church leadership down to lay preachers.
Reuben says ministers found smoking could be temporarily stood down to give them time to reflect on their calling and responsibilities.
He believes the measures are a positive move because church leaders should set an example for their congregations.
Reuben says if a minister spends long hours sitting and drinking kava, members may follow that example, while a minister who remains active and looks after their health can encourage members to do the same.
He is also encouraging ministers, particularly those with access to land, to plant their own food and exercise regularly instead of relying entirely on food provided by church members.
Reuben says activities such as walking and working on farms can help ministers remain physically active.
He says there are concerns about ministers suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and other health complications at a relatively young age.
Reuben says while kava has a traditional place during occasions such as deaths and marriages, moderation is important.
He says church leaders need to take responsibility for their health because serious illness and early deaths can also have a significant impact on their families.
Reuben says the Church office will support efforts to ensure the proposed measures are followed.
Meanwhile, Reuben is also approaching the final chapter of his formal ministry after almost five decades of serving the Methodist Church.
He says this year marks 49 years in ministry, and retiring at the end of 2027 will complete 50 years of service to the Church.
Originally from Nadi, Reuben says he left home as a young man in 1975, beginning a journey in ministry that has taken him to different parts of Fiji and overseas.
His years of service have included missionary work in Guyana, South America, serving the Church as a lecturer and spending four years as a principal.
Reuben also spent nine years serving in the Dukes Circuit, an area he says remains close to his heart.
Reflecting on his journey, Reuben says the Methodist Church is a large family with significant potential despite the criticism it sometimes receives.
He believes the strength and growth of the Church should not only be measured by the number of members it has.
Reuben says he continues to see spiritual growth within the Church and remains positive about its future.
