CathNews New Zealand

The president of the Methodist Church in Fiji Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu passed away on 11 February after a short illness.

He was elected president of the Methodist Church in Fiji in August last year following its annual conference. 

Tuikilakila Waqairatu  had promised to reform the church and made a significant step by banning the consumption of yaqona and smoking during the church conference and at all church facilities.

A spokesperson for the church, the Reverend James Bhagwan, says traditional ceremonies to commemorate Reverend Tuikilakila will take place from Monday before his full funeral on Thursday.

Waqairatu was 66 years old.

Source

• The Fiji Times
• The Fiji Times
• Image: Bishop Warner Brown

Additional reading

• Religious bodies acknowledge Waqairatu
• 'Great loss' for the church
• World Council of Churches Condolences on death of Tuikilakila Waqairatu
• Reverend's last act as a father

News category: Asia Pacific, Top Story.