The President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou, has proposed that lay preachers abstain from smoking, with the measure to take effect from January 1st, 2027.
Speaking to ministers and lay preachers at Vodafone Arena during the 2026 Methodist Church in Fiji Annual Conference, Reverend Turagavou says the proposal is not simply an administrative rule, but part of the church’s journey towards liberation and reformation in Christ.
He says the decision would save money, but more importantly, save lives and restore the image of the church.
Insert: Rev on smoking, 25 Aug 26
The President also spoke about the need for the church to move away from compulsory levies towards faith-based and voluntary giving.
He says congregations have, for many years, carried the burden of compulsory levies, with fixed amounts demanded, recorded and enforced.
Reverend Turagavou says this is not the pattern of giving taught in Scripture, referring to 2 Corinthians 9:7, which encourages each person to give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.
He says giving is an act of worship and faith and should come from gratitude for what God has already done, rather than fear of failing to meet a levy or having a person’s name read out for falling short.
The President says when people give because their hearts are moved, rather than because they are compelled, the church will see giving that is richer, more joyful and, he believes, more abundant than the levy system has produced.
Insert: Rev on giving, 25 Aug 26
Reverend Turagavou also spoke about the relationship between the church and the Vanua, saying there is a need to renew the way the church approaches that relationship.
He says the church should embrace a fresh direction while preserving Fiji’s traditions of hospitality and respect, without compromising the wellbeing and witness of those called to lead God’s people.
Reverend Turagavou says the relationship between the Methodist Church and the Vanua has been, and must remain, a good and respectful one.
He says the church honours the traditional structure, chiefly system and cultural fabric that have worked alongside the church for generations.
However, he says the church must never become so bound to traditional or cultural structures that it loses its own voice, because the church is the body of Christ.
Insert: Rev on relationship, 25 Aug 26
The 2026 Methodist Church Annual Conference is underway at Vodafone Arena and will conclude this Friday.
Meanwhile, 130 choirs have registered to take part in the Festival of Praise 2026, which will be held at 4pm at Vodafone Arena.
