A new president of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma will be elected in August during the annual church conference (Bose Ko Viti) in Suva.
This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun over the weekend by the church general secretary, Reverend Tevita Banivanua.
“We will be electing a new president in August during the Bose Ko Viti,” Reverend Banivanua said.
He said the election would top this year’s conference agenda. This election has come about after the passing of Reverend Dr Tukilakila Waqairatu after a short illness at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Reverend Banivanua said while many were shocked with the untimely death of Reverend Dr Waqairatu, some just could not believe that he had died. He said for the church, life must go on.
“The duties of the president will be carried out by Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca, who had been appointed acting president.”
On the candidates for the vacant top church post, Reverend Banivanua said all ordained pastors who had served for more than 10 years qualified for election.
He said the names of these pastors would be written down and passed to all the delegates to make their vote.
“It will be a secret ballot.”
The winner he said would be announced soon after the counting. He said the Bose Ko Viti delegates would decide on the new president. The late Reverend Dr Waqairatu presided for only six months after his ordination before his untimely death.
Meanwhile, thousands of Fijians and visitors from abroad including the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, witnessed the funeral service for the late president at Suva’s Centenary Church followed by the burial at Davuilevu.
Suva (Fiji Sun)
