The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma could see a major change in how it operates, with its President proposing a reduction in the number of Church divisions.

While formally opening its Annual Conference or Bose Ko Viti, Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou highlighted that reducing the current 59 divisions to 40 could strengthen the Church’s operations, monitoring and pastoral work across the country.

With the Church currently operating across 59 divisions, any reduction would change how ministers and church members are supported and how activities are managed at divisional level.

Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou said reducing the number of divisions is part of his vision for a stronger and more effective Church.

“Honestly, I prefer 40 divisions from 59 divisions. For instance, this will strengthen the operations of the church and its relationship with the Vanua” Rev. Dr. Turagavou highlighted.

The President said the proposal could also improve the Church’s monitoring system, with changes to leadership structures helping maintain services and pastoral activities across the divisions.

Reverend Dr. Turagavou added that the proposed changes would include creating assistant superintendent positions to help balance the Church’s operations.

The proposal is part of the President’s wider vision to reform the Church’s structure and strengthen its relationship with communities as it moves into its planned 2027–2028 year of liberation and reformation.

“Through this initiative, assistant superintendents’ positions will be created to balance the operations of the church, such as meetings and pastoral activities. This initiative will strengthen the church’s monitoring system” he added.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa