The Methodist Church in Fiji had a historic moment yesterday as they
passed a revised Constitution and a new Code of Conduct.
While the whole church and a number of working groups contributed to
the constitution and the code, two unassuming Australians played an important
role in compiling the final draft which was passed Yesterday (Tuesday). Malcom and Marion Gledhill have become part
of the story of the Methodist Church in Fiji’s New Exodus through their
tireless efforts.
“It has been a great privilege to assist the Methodist Church in Fiji
with the revision of its Constitution and Regulations, and the development of
the Code of Conduct,” said Mr. Gledhill, after the Constitution and Code of
Conduct were passed by an overwhelming majority of the Representative Session
of Conference.
“We serve in Fiji as volunteers from the Uniting Church in Australia, a
partner Church of the Methodist Church in Fiji. UnitingWorld is the agency of
the Uniting Church National Assembly that sends volunteers to live and work
alongside people in our overseas partner churches. When we work together,
sharing knowledge and experience, we join with each other in the mission of
God.”
Mrs. Gledhill, who is a Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia said
volunteering is always a two-way process.
“Overseas partner churches value the experience and knowledge shared by
the volunteers, and the volunteers (and the Uniting Church) gain from living
and working with the partner church. Volunteers find richly rewarding
experiences from new friendships, and new knowledge gained. This has certainly
been our experience volunteering with the Methodist Church in Fiji!”
“We have now made 4 previous visits as volunteers to the Methodist
Church in Fiji – each of 4 weeks’ duration, and we were looking forward to our
5th visit for the month of August 2015 and the 2015 Annual Conference. We have
appreciated sharing ideas, food and laughter, as well as sad times, with our
friends in the Methodist Church. The Conference staff morning teas are always a
highlight! We have enjoyed visits out of Suva, to a Church institution, or a
village, or another town - the beautiful flower arrangements in your churches -
your amazing choir singing and your generous hospitality. The deep spirituality
of your Church life and the practices of Methodism have been a source of
inspiration.”
Sadly, the couple arrived for our first visit in November 2013 on the
day of the funeral of Rev Solomoni Vakaliwaliwa who had prepared the first
draft of the revised Church Constitution for the 2013 Annual Conference. Mr. Gledhill
benefited from studying his work and with the invaluable assistance of Church
Executive Administrative Officer, Mr Patiliai Leqa and the Constitution Review
Committee was able to prepare the proposed revised Constitution which was
approved at its first reading at the 2014 Annual Conference.
Mr. Gledhill has also worked with the Constitution Review Committee on
new Regulations relating to Ministers, Deaconesses, and questions to be asked
at Church meetings, and other subjects. These new or amended Regulations were
also be presented to the 2015 Annual Conference for approval.
What are the main changes in the
revised Constitution?
• a new statement of
the core beliefs and purposes of the Methodist Church
• a chapter on
ministry that brings together the 2 ordained ministries – Ministers of the
Word, Sacraments and Pastoral Care and Deaconesses, and the 2 accredited lay
ministries - lay pastors and lay preachers
• a new paragraph
recognising that classes in the local church are the foundations of the Church
structure
• a more detailed
statement of the authority of the Annual Conference
• the list of
official meetings of the Church includes the monthly meeting of the local
church (bose vakarau) – the Circuit leaders’ meeting may agree that particular
matters may be decided at the bose vakarau
• a revised statement
of the authority of the President to act if for whatever reason it is not
practical for the Conference Standing Committee to meet
• some changes to
terms of office of Conference officers and circumstances in which they will be
eligible for re-election.
The development of the Code of Conduct was undertaken by a Consultative
Group, working with Mrs. Gledhill, with final drafts being presented to the
Standing Committee of the Conference. While codes of conduct and codes of
ethics used in other denominations offered useful ideas, the final draft Code
of Conduct for the Methodist Church in Fiji was developed to be relevant and
appropriate for the Fijian context. Contributions from women members of the
Consultative Group were particularly valuable.
“We stand in a long line of Christian people who have over the past 180
years travelled from Australia to Fiji and from Fiji to Australia to share in
ministry and service. We honour the service of those who have gone before and
trust that many will follow in future. We are thankful for the unique
contributions that Fijian Methodists have made to the Church in Australia and
say ‘thank you!’ for the welcome, friendship, care and hospitality that you
have given us in our visits to Fiji. “
The Methodist Church in Fiji owes a debt of gratitude to the Gledhills
and their sending Church, the Uniting Church in Australia for continuing to
journey with their brothers and sisters called Methodists in Fiji in their New
Exodus.
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