Military junta declares war against Methodist Church
May 31, 2009
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The annual conference of Fiji’s biggest and most influential religious group, the Methodist Church, has been cancelled by the military and police.
Police spokeswoman Ema Mua confirms the disciplinary forces issued a joint statement on the matter last night and hoped the church leaders would accept the decision.
She said the two week Bose Ko Viti in August this year had been called off due to information that “inciteful issues are going to be discussed at the conference”.
Police had mid this month arrested former Methodist Church president Reverend Manasa Lasaro when he used a sermon to call for peaceful protests to restore democracy.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni later issued a statement urging churchgoers not to be “misled by the antics of a few people who are trying to cause instability”.
The government also threatened to ban a centrepiece of the church’s calendar, its annual conference, and accused religious leaders of causing instability.
The Methodist Church is the predominant denomination of Fiji’s indigenous population and is closely aligned to the deposed Laisenia Qarase Government.
THE INDIANS WILL SUFFER.
This is an unfortunate event and a dangerous ground for both the regime and the country as a whole. You look over the world and you note the most persistentant and dagerous conflicts are those that is based on religious and racial ideologies. Once it starts it takes on everything and everyone on its path. Oh God I cry for Fiji and its people.
Two most dangerous men in the world, the men with the GUN and the men with the BIBLE.
Wrong decision, Fiji Military. You’l face the consequences from the people and GOD. This is exactly what Kaiyum wants, for us Christians to bow to their God. Vakaloloma dina o keda na kaiviti… Veikata na kaidia.
Maybe this is an opportune time for the Church to redeem themselves for their stance in our Coup history, especially in the eyes of men. Seek forgiveness from those the church has wronged in past church stances e.g. 1987 (our Indian heritage neighbours). My limited biblical studies gives a clear impression that our God don’t take sides; however limited only to those who serve him in spirit & truth. There’s no mention he supports indigenous people, a denomination, church attendance, attending conferences etc. But only those who choose to do right by God’s standards from the heart. This is a good opportunity too for the world to see where Fijians (all Fiji citizens) draw their inspiration from. It’s not by might nor by power, but by my spirit say the Lord of Hosts. Let us repent and allow this almighty God to do justice by his standards, if not we will surely struggle in vain. Scriptural history has enough account for the consequences of allowing sin to flourish, however repentence ushers in God’s blessings and protection.