No racial influence in election: Methodist Church official

Reverend Dr. Anil Ruben, Deputy General Secretary of the Methodist Church of Fiji, has firmly rejected allegations of racial bias in the recent election for the church's new General Secretary. He described the election process as fair and just, expressing his acceptance of the outcome.

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I don’t see… maybe other people see that way. And use that as a rugby ground. To throw the Church around and kick the Church around.

Ruben, who is nearing retirement after nearly 49 years of service, questioned why his name was being invoked in what he perceives as attempts to divide the church. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to the church, dating back to 1977, and affirmed his faithfulness.

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Lord, I will be faithful to you wherever you send me.

"I don’t see… maybe other people see that way. And use that as a rugby ground. To throw the Church around and kick the Church around," Ruben commented, suggesting that external parties might be exploiting the situation for their own purposes.

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The election reflects both the people’s verdict and God’s call.

Meanwhile, Reverend Abel Nand of Lautoka Wesley Church echoed Ruben's sentiments, describing the election as a reflection of both the people's verdict and God's call. Nand affirmed the transparency and propriety of the process, noting that only Conference members can fully comprehend the church's election procedures. He assured that church members would continue to support the newly elected leadership.

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The process is transparent and proper, and only Conference members can fully understand how the Church conducts its elections.