Methodist Church wants all their head teachers and principals to be Methodist

Yet another Christian denomination is pushing for one of their own to be always appointed as headteachers and principals of the church run schools.

The Methodist Church in Fiji claims that there has been no prior consultation done in regards to leadership roles in the Methodist Church run schools, and non Methodists are being appointed as headteachers and principals in these schools.

This has been highlighted by the Methodist Church President Reverend Dr. Tevita Banivanua at a Methodist Education Workshop held at Dudley Methodist Church today.

Reverend Banivanua says that they had asked the Ministry of Education for all their school heads to be Methodists.

The Education Ministry pays the salaries of all these teachers.

The Catholic Education Department had also raised the issue a few years ago that they wanted Catholics to be the heads of their schools.

However the government made it clear that the ministry pays for the salaries of the teachers at the schools and they choose the best people for the job.

The Ministry also made it clear that the church run schools can have their religion classes however they should not dictate and choose only to have their own to head the schools.

Fijivillage also asked the Methodist Church if they do not agree with the current school system that involves the appointment of school heads.

There are 33 Methodist schools in Fiji with 17 Primary schools and 16 Secondary schools.

We have sent questions to Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. He is yet to comment.

Meanwhile the Methodist Church Secretary of Education Waisake Ravatu says that the Methodist Education Workshop will help them in trying to form a Methodist Teachers Association.