27 Methodist Church Ministers and Executives today pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against them in relation to allegedly breaching the Public Emergency Regulation last year.

The 27 included Reverend Tomasi Kanailagi, Reverend Mansa Lasaro, Reverend Ame Tugaue and Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu.

A bench warrant was issued earlier today against Reverend Immanuel Rueben and Reverend William Lucas.

However the two appeared in the court this afternoon after there was some misunderstanding between the DDP and Defence lawyers.

Today also saw the merging of two cases in which different Church Ministers and Executives were charged for the same offence, meaning a single trial will now run for all the 27 Ministers and Executives.

The case has been adjourned till the 21st of next month when a hearing date is expected to be set.

Reverend Ame Tugaue and Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu are facing charges of organizing a Methodist Church standing committee meeting which allegedly breached the Public Emergency Regulation while the other 25 Ministers and Executives are charged with participating in the meeting which breached the PER.