Church supports Fijian Methodist right to gather

Presbyterian Church supports Fijian Methodist right to gather

The Presbyterian Church today expressed strong concern over the recent ban on Methodist gatherings in Fiji.

The Fiji military imposed the ban this week, which includes a prohibition on all gatherings outside normal Sunday services.

Any meeting taking place between Monday and Saturday - including prayer groups, choir practice, mid-week holy communion and youth fellowship gatherings - have been banned.

“We’re alarmed that the military regime in Fiji appears to be taking increasingly oppressive measures against the Church,” says Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, the Right Rev Peter Cheyne.

“The ban is an affront to the church’s right to worship and an infringement on the fundamental human right that provides for people to practice their religion and beliefs freely.

“Fiji is one of New Zealand’s closest neighbours, and we want to stand with our Christian brothers and sisters and continue to raise awareness of the issues being faced by Fiji citizens under the current regime,” Peter says.

The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand joins other Pacific churches that have been actively calling on their governments to bring pressure on the Bainimarama regime to allow free and fair elections at the earliest possible date.

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