26 Aug 2014

Methodists to adapt to changed Fiji

3:28 pm on 26 August 2014

The new president of Fiji's Methodist Church says the church needs to be more realistic about modern day Fiji.

The Reverend Tevita Nawadra Banivanua was elected to the church's top position on Monday.

The Reverend Bainivanua says the best way forward for the church is unity, yet it must still recognise the differences in the country.

He says the church will continue to pursue its Christian principles.

"But the fact that it is now a secular state, that fact must be accepted and we have to prepare ourselves to whatever secular state or secular regime will bring to the Methodist church."

The Reverend Bainivanua has also reiterated the Church's non-partisan approach to politics, saying he gives his blessing to all political parties campaigning for election.

After the 2006 coup, Methodist Church activities and meetings were curtailed after the church's strong criticism of the military regime.