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.