Tuesday, November 4, 2008

John Garrett On Fiji Methodism since Independence


Pacific Church Historian John Garrett made a very important contribution to our understanding of modern Fijian Methodism in an address he gave in 1995. Garrett's address was published in Mai Kea Ki Vei: Stories of Methodism in Fiji and Rotuma (Fiji Methodist Church, 1996). Garrett noted the tension within Methodism of a strong nationalist strain alongside a wider ecumenical and liberal strain. The founding President, Rev. Setareki Tuilovoni, was able to maintain a bridge between these two aspects of Fiji Methodism. Since Tuilovoni's passing, these two features have not sat so comfortably together. I will have more to say on this in future "posts". The photo that accompanies this message shows Rev Setareki Tuilovoni, founding President of the Methodist Church in Fiji, together with his family.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Fiji Methodist History


Greetings to Everyone of You.

I have started this column as a means to communicate with all those around our globe who share an interest in the history of Fiji Methodism and related topics. I hope that you can feel free to contribute your knowledge and ideas. Christianity came to Fiji with a strong Methodist focus; the first missionaries were both English ministers and Tongan converts, together (at the very beginning) with three remarkable Tahitian pastors of the LMS.

My own studies have included many different aspects of Fiji Methodist History from the beginnings up till recent times. In the last few years, I have become interested in the first translations of the Fiji Bible and that is the project in which I am currently involved. I will share with you about my work in this area in future columns.

Meanwhile, a very warm Ni Sa Bula to you all and I hope to hear from you, with your particular interests and questions.


Andrew Thornley, Sydney.