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.
