Shared mission across oceans
The 190th MCIF Conference provided an opportunity to strengthen ties across the Pacific through worship and prayer, as well as dialogue on faith, justice and discipleship
September 4, 2025
Last week, the 190th annual conference of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma (MCIF) was held in Suva, where President Rev Charissa Suli represented the Uniting Church.
Guided by the theme ‘Level Up – Moving the Church of Christ Forward to Another Level,’ the conference united believers focused on deepening faith, renewing discipleship, supporting the marginalised, and voicing truth to both government and society.
“The MCIF is courageously discerning how to speak truth to government while caring for communities at the margins, and how to nurture spiritual and discipleship renewal and formation for ministers and congregations,” Rev Suli said.
“The church in Fiji is also wrestling with the huge social issues of their time, and seeking fresh ways to encourage the young people. These are not only challenges of society, but core questions of faith and mission.”
“Our partnership ensures that the UCA walks alongside MCIF not only in development work, but in strengthening the church’s voice, witness and discipleship for this generation.”
Throughout the conference, President Suli had the opportunity to preach, share in prayer, worship and fellowship with numerous leaders from across the Pacific, including Rev Dr Semisi Turagavou (President, MCIF), Rev Tim Lam (President, Methodist Church in Hong Kong) , Rev Sepiuta Hala’api’api (General Secretary, Fiji Council of Churches and Deputy Moderator, Pacific Conference of Churches) and Olivia Baro (Youth Advisor, Pacific Conference of Churches).
“These moments remind us that our partnership is more than formal agreements – it is people, prayer, song and shared mission across oceans.”
She also met with UnitingWorld project leads based in Suva, to hear of their ministry efforts and to encourage their ongoing work alongside local partners.
A highlight for delegates was the historic performance of the UCA’s Fiji National Conference (FNC) Choir, a wonderful witness of the bonds between our churches in Fiji and the diaspora in Australia.
As Rev Suli reflected, “These moments remind us that our partnership is more than formal agreements – it is people, prayer, song and shared mission across oceans.”
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