Reverend Lasaro passes away in hospital

Former President of the Methodist Church of Fiji Reverend Manasa Lasaro passed away at the CWM Hospital at midnight last night.

Reverend Lasaro was 73, and he had served in many positions in the church since 1972.

He was also a former teacher and police officer.

He is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren.

President of the Methodist Church Reverend Doctor Tevita Banivanua says Reverend Lasaro was involved in the establishment of many social empowerment initiatives, including the early squatter relocation programmes in Suva, which resulted in many people being resettled in Narere, Howell Rd and Jittu Estate communities before these were transferred to the state. 

He says that during his time as a lecturer at the Pacific Theological College, Reverend Lasaro taught three ministers who would go on to lead the Methodist Church in Fiji - Reverend Ame Tugaue, the late Rev. Dr. Tuikilakila Waqairatu and Reverend Doctor Banivanua. 

Reverend Lasaro was the Church General Secretary when the late Reverend Josateki Koroi was removed from the Church President's post in 1989.

There is a period after this which was termed as the darkest period in the church’s history.

A reconciliation ceremony took place in the church in August 2014 to ask the late Reverend Koroi for his forgiveness.