Methodist Church will not tolerate any church leader abusing their power

By Semi Turaga
Fiji Village
July 3, 2016

http://fijivillage.com/news/Methodist-Church-will-not-tolerate-any-church-leader-abusing-their-power-2k5sr9

The Methodist Church in Fiji has clearly stated that it will not tolerate any church leader abusing their power on issues of domestic violence or physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Church President, Rev. Dr. Tevita Banivanua said it is a serious abuse of power to use the ministry relationship to meet one's own emotional, sexual, financial or other needs.

Banivanua said safe communities are part and parcel of spiritual salvation.

The Methodist Church in Fiji is making its stance clear after another church pastor was charged with rape last month.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, there was one serious sexual offence last month where the accused person is a church pastor and the victim was 16-years-old.

22 people were charged with a total of 47 separate cases of rape and sexual assault last month.