Church communications secretary Reverend James Bhagwan said they would continue to honour Waqairatu's views, however, the church standing committee is working on ways to balance the ban and culture and tradition.

"One way in which people can honour the late president's memories is to respect his views," Mr Bhagwan said.

"There have been a lot more hits or views on our You Tube page on him explaining his views on kava. And since his passing there has been an increase in people who are trying to understand him better.

And this move, according to the head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Suva, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, was a sign of unity among the churches in Fiji.

"It is a sign of good energy, good spirit and unity," Archbishop Chong said.

"Not only the Christian churches but also non-Christians such as Muslims and Hindus. Continue reading

He replaces the late president Tuikilakila Waqairatu who passed on Tuesday. He will preside over this year's annual conference when a new president is expected to be elected.

Ratabacaca was elected at the church's standing committee meeting last Thursday. He is currently Divisional Superintendent of the Church's Nabua Division previously served as president of the Methodist Church in Fiji from 2002 to 2004.

He said the church must continue the work started by Dr Waqairatu in terms of unity both in the church and the nation, and strengthening the moral fibre of society, especially in respect of women and children.
Source

• Fiji Times
• Image: FijiLive

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

Rika says Waqairatu may well have been installed as Archbishop of Suva rather than President of the Methodist Church. From childhood in Naroi village on Moala, Waqairatu was put on a path to priesthood and encouraged every step of the way by his father and grandfather.

"My father influenced me to go to St John's College at Cawaci and become a priest," Waqairatu reflected a week after his ordination as head of the country's largest Christian denomination. "While he was a Methodist, my grandfather Roko Taito Waqaiqera received the Catholic faith and was the only Catholic person on Moala. "It was my father's wish that I continue the family tradition by becoming a priest trained in Rome."

Cawaci was his first choice for his secondary education. But there were no places available, so the following year, Waqairatu entered Central Fijian School—now Sila Central High—less than two kilometres from the Davuilevu Theological College where he would eventually study for the ministry.

Catholicism would, however, continue to follow the young cleric and later in life, the Methodist minister would marry a Catholic girl, Ioana Banivetaua.

"The support my wife and in-laws have given me has been enormous. There have been times when she has challenged me to ensure that we say our prayers as a family—that's a huge inspiration."

Ioana has also influenced Waqairatu in terms of ecumenism or the relationship between churches. For some years now, she has coordinated joint prayer meetings of Methodist, Gospel and Assemblies of God women, culminating in providing meals for 150 street people once a week.

Waqairatu is open to regular contact with Archbishop Chong. He attending his Episcopal ordination earlier this year. Both men have strong views about reform and development in the church, as well as the role of religion in politics.

Source

• Islands Business
• Image: calnevumcfiji2011.

Mr Waqairatu shared his vision to the church during the induction service in Suva which was also attended by the Indian, Rabi and Rotuman divisions, the heads of the three confederacies and the leaders and representatives from the different churches.

Source

• The Fiji Times
• Image: Fiji Times

Members of the council include the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia, Fiji Baptist Convention, Congregational Christian Church, Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Suva, the Salvation Army, St Andrews Presbyterian Church, St Mark Coptic Orthodox Church and Fiji Community Churches of Christ.

The significant and challenging task of the churches' service in "different sections" of God's "one and same vineyard and collectively," was highlighted by the council's interim president, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu. Speaking to church leaders and representatives, Mr Waqairatu said "it was not easy to sail our ecumenical boat, during the past years".

Reflecting on how the churches handled this ecumenical journey from a denominational perspective over the last six years, he said: "I believe that we had a lot to share," both individually and collectively, especially, our deep theological insights and interpretation" of events since 2006.

Source

• Padre James Bhagwan: The Fiji Times
• Image: Croz Walsh Blog

Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu is the newly appointed president of the Fiji Methodist Church. At the University of the South Pacific seminar run by the Constitution Commission on Thursday night, Mr Waqairatu said that the government of Fiji is at a critical point.

He pointed out that Fiji is a pluralistic society and went on to say "Their positive inter-church relation in the ecumenical circle and mission should enrich their corporate ministry in the country".

He also said that Islam, Hinduism and other faiths make a contribution to the nation, and this reality must be acknowledged.

Close understanding between religious groups and the government, allied with ongoing communication, would ensure a positive future for the country.

"Fiji has been ravaged by the coup-culture with its negative repercussions psychologically embedded in the minds of the people, especially the young generation, whose behaviour has been heavily affected by the noted phenomenon," he said.

Sources

• The Fiji Times Online
• Image: Peceli Fijian Methodist Church of America