WITH the general election a few months away, the Methodist Church says it will not affiliate itself with politics.
This was confirmed by church communications secretary Reverend James Bhagwan who said the church was impartial and does not endorse any political parties.
“We will support people on individual basis — if someone comes and asks ‘please, pray for me’, we will pray for them,” Mr Bhagwan said.
“Whether it is the current government or a political party, if they ask for a prayer, we will pray for them.”
Mr Bhagwan said the focus of the church was on neutrality and it should not be seen to be favouring anyone.
He confirmed no church ministers had shown interest in contesting the election.
“We are very busy trying to get things organised, we have a new direction here for the church, so we are very busy.
“But at the same time we are pastorally speaking to our members, encouraging them to pray before each major decision and our prayer is that when election comes God will help us that the right leaders are chosen given the circumstances we have.”
Mr Bhagwan said church halls around the country could be used by political parties depending on the agreement between the vanua and respective church leaders in the villages.
“The issue is that in some cases the only place that is available is the church hall and so we would have to look at it on a case-by-case basis. The local church area needs to make those decisions, the church would hope that people exercise good judgement in that area.”
Suva (Fiji Times)
