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.

In his opening address to the "Bose ko Viti", Reverend Dr Waqairatu highlighted the 12 pillars that are to be the way forward for the drua (double-hulled canoe) of the Methodist Church in Fiji.

The changes are not just in terms of a new Connexional Plan: review of the church constitution or the introduction of remnant giving, registration and utilisation of land given to the church and new more transparent accounting measures. Also highlighted last week, as part of the renewal of the church, was the emphasis on a return to the mission of personal and social holiness that is one of the hallmarks of Methodism.

Source

• The Fiji Times
• Image: The Fiji Times

The message came from Methodist Church general secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu who said it was important for its church members to adhere to the rule of law.

"I think that it's clear. For the time being, considering the situation it is very important that we try and maintain peace in the country," Reverend Waqairatu told FijiLive.

"It is a general principle that as Christians that we should respect and obey the rule of law. People should be wise and they should abide to the conditions that have been given to them," he said.

Reverend Waqairatu's call comes in light of government's directive on Thursday to ban all Methodist Church meetings.

Source: Pacific Island News Association