Church says burning traditional artefacts not in accord with its principles

burning

The Methodist Church of Fiji says that burning of traditional artefacts as a form of spiritual cleansing does not reflect the principles of the church.

When The Fiji Times asked the church to comment on the practices, after claims that a pastor burned some traditional items the church referred them to a statements made by Dr Tevita Nawadra Banivanua at the Methodist Church annual conference.

Banivanua said in Section 4 of the Methodist Church constitution, believers were reminded that their worship must be conducted according to the spirit and traditions of the church.

“In recent times, there are some worship practices which have crept into our church that do not reflect the spirit and traditions of the Methodist Church,” he said.

“While the intentions of our ministers, lay pastors and lay preachers may have been good, some of our reconciliation, revival and in particular the spiritual cleansing programs have had a negative result and in some cases ended up in court as trees, artefacts and belongings are destroyed without the consent of the owner or the whole community.”

“In terms of the spiritual cleansing programs that some feel necessary to hold, I want to remind us all that the transforming power of Christ which we experience when we give ourselves to Him is greater than the power of any earthly object or spiritual force.”

Last week a video clip of a young woman’s testimony was posted on social media and it drew a wave of derogatory comments.

She claimed to have killed hundreds through sorcery and had demonic powers. She also made some political statements which created a social media storm.

The sixteen-year-old said her life completely changed after she met and joined a prayer group led by a church minister, who visited Naseyani Village in March this year.

Her biological father said his daughter’s claims were false. Things started to change after the minister and his followers visited the village.

During the crusade they burnt traditional artefacts claiming that it was the will of God.

“And I’m not sure why people still believe that. We also heard that the same group had burnt traditional artefacts at a church in Lautoka.”

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News category: Asia Pacific.