Publication Developments

For those who are interested, two of my books on early Fiji Methodism have just been published on Google Books. I think that this development is the result of the publisher, Institute of Pacific Studies(IPS) at the USP, being closed down in its current form. Since IPS owns copyright on its books, it has probably given permission for Google Books to publish the books in their entirety. As a result you can find the whole content of The Inheritance of Hope and Exodus of the I Taukei, both the English text and Fijian translation.

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.

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.