The Methodist Church in Fiji and the United Church in Papua New Guinea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in education, health, disaster recovery and community support across the Pacific.
The agreement was signed in Port Moresby by Methodist Church in Fiji President Reverend Dr Semisi Turagavou and United Church in Papua New Guinea Moderator Reverend Garo Kilagi.
Reverend Dr Turagavou says the agreement is more than a formal partnership, as it renews the churches' commitment to their shared history and responsibility to serve communities across the Pacific.
He says the partnership will provide opportunities to strengthen theological education, train ministers and church workers, and encourage greater participation by young people, women and men in church ministry.
The agreement also provides opportunities for pastors, ministers, lecturers and church leaders from both countries to participate in training, exchange programmes and the sharing of resources and knowledge.
Reverend Dr Turagavou says the churches recognise the importance of working together to support education, health, disaster recovery and efforts to strengthen community resilience.
He says their ancestors travelled across the seas to spread Christianity through sacrifice, faith and service, and the two churches must now build on that foundation through greater cooperation.
The partnership builds on historical ties dating back to the 1850s, when the Methodist Church in Fiji began training and sending Fijian missionaries to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Reverend Dr Turagavou says the focus is now on working together as independent churches, learning from one another and responding to the needs of their communities.
He says the partnership aims to turn their shared history into practical support for the people they serve.
