This move sets the church on a collision course with the interim government, which launched a consultation process on the Charter on Monday.
Church general secretary Rev. Tuikilakila Waqairatu told journalists it will not support an illegal document and process.
“It’s a dangerous document because it can have a lot of negative impacts in the lives of Fiji citizens, especially Fijians,” he said. “It can create more coups and social and political unrest.”
Asked what business the church has in Fiji’s political arena, Reverend Waqairatu said: “Our ministry is not only spiritual in nature but we also look at social, physical, political aspects of our congregation’s lives. We have to educate our people on the pros and cons of the Charter.”
The church has also set up a committee to look into aspects of the draft Charter and report back to the Methodist Church hierarchy.
Before delegates to the church’s annual conference took the vote, newly elected president Reverend Ame Tugaue said the church could not be seen to support a military-backed government which took power by force.
