The Methodist Church of Fiji will not allow the SDL party to use the Annual Church Conference to inform its members not to support the Draft People's Charter.

Assistant General Secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu has confirmed that nothing official has come from the SDL Party to request them to be given time to distribute their information on the church members.

He added that under the church constitution they cannot associate themselves with a political party.

Church Being Hijacked says CCF Publish date/time: 13/08/2008 [16:38]

The Citizens Constitutional Forum is calling on authorities to take appropriate action as the Methodist Church is being hijacked again by political parties with ethno nationalistic agendas.

CCF Chief Executive Officer, Reverend Akuila Yabaki alleged these shadow figures are the ones who are behind the 2000 coup and they are the Methodist Church administrations who are now coming out openly to engage in political activities that will cause instability in the country.

Reverend Yabaki said the Methodist Church refused to participate in the Charter process which actually was a process of dialogue and negotiation.

The CCF is alarmed at media reports that the SDL will use the Methodist Church conference to preach against the Charter.

The Methodist Church Officials said they will comment on the matter tomorrow after the standing committee meeting tonight.

SDL to Meet Methodist Church Group Publish date/time: 13/08/2008 [13:03]

Senior members of the SDL Party are expected to meet with the Methodist Church of Fiji Think Tank Group this afternoon on the SDL's plan to preach to people at the Methodist Church conference about why they should oppose the Draft People's Charter.

The SDL Office confirms that the party delegation will be led by President, Solomoni Naivalu.

When we contacted Ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase on the matter, he confirmed that he is not attending the meeting.

Politics and Religion Go Together - SDL

The SDL party has today stressed that politics and religion go together as they get ready to use the Methodist Church conference to go against the draft People's Charter.

SDL President, Solomoni Naivalu confirms that they will ensure that all the Methodists coming to the conference in Suva from tomorrow know why the draft should be opposed.

When questioned on whether this would see the mixing of religion and politics, Naivalu said their stand is clear on this issue.

"Many of us would have heard the retired president of the Methodist Church Reverend (Manasa) Lasaro that we cannot separate membership of any political party, especially the SDL party, from the Methodist Church. A majority of the members of the Methodist Church are members of the SDL party. How can you separate this? I am a member of the Methodist Church. In fact, I am a Lay Preacher of the Methodist Church and I continue to support the SDL party."

Naivalu is now hoping that the Methodist Church standing committee will give them the green light to distribute information on why the draft Charter needs to be opposed.

Meanwhile Director of Information and Military spokesperson, Major Neumi Leweni said if the issues to be discussed at the church conference turn political, then it will be a political assembley and police need to look into the matter.

"It is a concern. People must be mindful of the law that’s there in the Public Order Act. There is a fine line and police will determine when someone crosses the line they will take action. And I’m sure the police are aware of this and they will look into it."


Police Commissioner, Commodore Esala Teleni said he is aware of this development and he will comment later today.