Church acting general secretary Reverend Tevita Nawadra said the annual meeting which was disallowed in the past four years was crucial to the operations of the church.

"We're still awaiting the decision by the police on our permit application and, hopefully, the result will be favourable," he said.

Nawadra said the Church has submitted its conference agenda to the police as part of its permit application.

Church assistant general secretary Reverend Tevita Nawadra Banivanua said last year's agenda was submitted to the police.

He said the only changes would be the names and dates.

He confirmed that the names of church president Reverend Ame Tugaue and church secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu would remain.

Director of Operations Police SSP Rusiate Tudravu said the sole authority on the matter was Police Commissioner Brigadier Ioane Naivalurua.

He said the commissioner had promised to consider the application and would make the final decision himself.

• Fiji Times
• Fiji Times
• Image: FijiVillage.com

A letter from the Military Council to the Church bans all nine meetings under the Church constitution - including the monthly, quarterly, Standing Committee, financial and divisional meetings - all be banned.

The Military Council states the ban is being enforced as the Church failed to adhere to directives for the President and General Secretary to step aside - as they have a case to answer in Court.

The Council concludes that the only way forward for the Church is to look within itself and make changes that puts it on the right path.

Source

PINA
Image: Radio Australia Network News