Christians urged to pray as Church leaders arrested in Fiji
The British Methodist Church is calling on Christians to prayfor the Methodist Church in Fiji following the arrests of sevenChurch leaders by Fiji's military government.
Earlier this week the church leaders, including the generalsecretary and two former presidents, were arrested and held forquestioning in relation to the Church's annual Conference,scheduled in August. The government has banned the Conference fromtaking place, concerned that the Church's discussions will bepolitically focused. Those arrested include the General Secretaryof the Church, Revd Tuikilakila Waqairatu, the Church's FinanceSecretary, Viliame Gonelevu and two former Presidents of theChurch, Revd Manasa Lasaro and Revd Tomasi Kanailagi. Revd Tomasiwas a senator in the previous government.
Christine Elliott, Secretary for External Relationships for theMethodist Church in Britain, said; "It is clear that Colonel FrankBainimarama is making a strong statement about who is in power. TheMethodist Church is the largest faith group in Fiji, holds asignificant amount of power amongst the people and has considerableinfluence over voters. The leadership of the Church is determinedto stand against the government and has lobbied the UN regardingreligious freedom and human rights.
"It is important that we hold our brothers and sisters in Fiji,their government and all in the islands in our prayers during thesechallenging times."
The government's action effectively ensures that the Conferencewill not go ahead even if the Church excludes the two formerpresidents and agrees to refrain from any political discussions.The Methodist Church is the largest faith group in Fiji and Churchleaders have insisted that the Conference will take placeregardless of the ban. The ministers were treated well, have nowall been released on conditional bail and are required to surrendertheir travel documents.
Prayer for Fiji
God of power and strength,
You make foolish the wisdom of this world.
You call upon us to find your strength in our weakness.
You offer us your guidance when all is in confusion.
We ask your protection and guidance for Church leaders inFiji,
Your wisdom for the Fijian Government,
Your peace and stability for the people of Fiji.
Amen