Fijivillage
19 February, 2026, 8:40 pm
Central - 24°C Rain
19 February, 2026, 8:40 pm Central - 24°C Rain

Members are free to choose their faith – Rev Lasawa

Members are free to choose their faith – Rev Lasawa

By Iliana Biutu
01/09/2025
[Image:FijiVillage]

The Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma has affirmed that the church remains steadfast in its faith; however, it does not have the authority to prevent members from moving to another denomination.

When asked by fijivillage News about the church’s response to the decrease in membership, General Secretary Reverend Dr. Jolame Lasawa says freedom of choice is a fundamental right, and members are free to decide their own spiritual journey.

He says it is their hope that the congregation remain committed to the Methodist faith, and they respect the decisions of individuals who choose to worship elsewhere.

He also says the church’s role is to guide and nurture people in their Christian faith, but ultimately, faith must be a personal commitment made willingly and not by force.

Reverend Lasawa also highlighted that some of their congregations, especially those studying at universities, are not being counted, which reduces the overall number.

He adds that the church is working on proper counting to ensure the figures align with the status from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics.

FEATURE NEWS
EXCLUSIVE : I go to the FICAC office after hours to support my wife - Vakalalabure
Tevita Vakalalabure, lawyer and husband of Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, has today confirmed that he goes to his wife's FICAC office when s...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Fiji Airways says sexual harassment clause in Employment Bill sets ‘impossible legal standard'
Fiji Airways has warned that the Employment Relations Bill’s requirement for employers to eliminate sexual harassment imposes an unrealistic and ...
4 hours ago

5 out of 7 people charged in Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug bust case plead not guilty
The Chinese, Federated States of Micronesia, and Fijian nationals charged in three separate Rewa Street and Flagstaff drug bust cases took their ...
5 hours ago

Semo bypass to open from midnight tonight
The bypass along the Queen's Highway at Semo Village will be open to the travelling public from midnight tonight.The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) says ...
6 hours ago

$2.5B Emerald Bay Project advances with 184 residential lots
The $2.5 billion Emerald Bay Development in Nadawa is progressing well with the development of 184 residential lots as part of its first phase, ...
6 hours ago

Lautoka Central Head Boy advocating for drug-free and responsible living
Lautoka Central College Head Boy, Deevansh Singh is urging students to stay away from drugs and take greater responsibility in protecting the ...
6 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
13 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
13 days ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
14 days ago

TOP