WHO IS REVEREND TIKOINATABUA?
THE CORRECTIONS SERVICE PADRE SPEAKS OUT ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF CHURCH ELEMENT IN POLITICS HE BELIEVES THE CHURCH SHOULD BE FREE OF POLITICS, IT SHOULD FOCUS ON THE SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS
Methodist Church Minister Reverend Josefa Tikoinatabua is no stranger when it comes to the debate on church versus politics.
The Fiji Corrections Service padre was there when the late Reverend Manasa Lasaro, a former church president, and militant senior members of the clergy took over the leadership of the Methodist church.
Once he was called up and questioned by Reverend Lasaro on his position. He did not back down, although he was given a stern warning by Reverend Lasaro.
He was also questioned on whether he was responsible for drafting a letter, which ultimately led to the banning of the annual conference and the fundraising bazaar.
When he was asked to explain himself, he told the leaders at that time that not only was he following a military instruction he also believed in the purpose behind that letter.
He told the leadership that if they wanted to withdraw him as chaplain of the RFMF, they could do so, but they backed out. He served for many years as RFMF chaplain before he was transferred to the FCS.
At the time he concurred that members of the church were being burdened financially.
The latest saga involving the church’s controversial invitation to
the Prime Minister shows that he has not changed his position. Speaking in support of Mr Bainimarama, he said that there was a choice between the Bainimarama option and the Rabuka option.
If the church had gone with Mr Bainimarama, then its plans to develop the frontage of Lelean Memorial School for $100,000 would have removed the burden of raising that money.
In the case of Mr Rabuka, members of the public have been asked to donate $50 to raise $5000 as part of the fundraising drive to collect $100,000, which apparently had been committed by Mr Rabuka on behalf of SODELPA.
The row over the invitation highlights the long-running debate on whether church and politics can mix.
There is strong belief in sections of the church that the church should not be actively involved in politics and instead it should focus on strengthening the spiritual welfare of its members.
The other concern that has been raised by Reverend Tikoinatabua is the involvement of some lay people in positions of influence in the church His concerns are based on justifiable grounds.
Some of these lay people are members of various political parties and the danger is that their opinions on issues could be based on political affiliations and beliefs.
That is why it is important that any final decision made by the church should be from ordained ministers to ensure that the sanctity, sacred responsibility and interests of the church are protected.
At the moment it appears that the lay people wield a lot of influence, as demonstrated in this row with the PM.