The Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF) is alarmed at the sudden takeover of the Methodist Church by Rev Manasa Lasaro as evidenced in TV ONE news yesterday..

“Lasaro is undermining the Methodist leadership of Rev. Laisiasa Ratabacaca   who along with Archbishop Petero Mataca has been in   progressive talks with the Bainimarama and Qarase,”  CCF Chief Executive Officer, Rev Akuila Yabaki said.

“Rev Lasaro was part of the group of people that took over the Methodist Church after the 1987 coup, and they basically removed everyone from the church hierarchy who were opposed to the 1987 coup,” said Yabaki.

“ Now Rev Lasaro is back in the limelight and causing political problems again. The church has no business in threatening any government or the military,” Rev Yabaki said. “ Rev Lasaro should be investigated for his role in supporting the 1987 and 2000 coups. There must be enough evidence to charge him.”

Rev Lasaro and his supporters are misusing religious freedom to support a particular political party. This is morally and ethically wrong. The church should be involved in reconciliation and dialogue processes; they should not be involved in politics or in any activities that could destabilise the country.

“ Fiji is still reeling from the coups that have happened since 1987. For Rev Lasaro to stage a comeback now, is very worrying. Rev Lasaro has basically reversed all the progress made in talks between the army and the Methodist Church this year,” Rev Yabaki said.

For further information, please contact CCF on ph: 3308379, fax: 3308380.

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Rev Akuila Yabaki

Chief Executive Officer