Fiji's Methodist Church has rejected a request from its New Zealand counterpart to allow the ordinations of gays and lesbians as preachers.
The Fiji Times reports that the New Zealand delegation said the human rights of people are becoming more important and gays and lesbians should be ordained.
But the principal of the Methodist Church's Davuilevu Theological College says the church could not agree with the proposal because it contradicts Christian teaching.
The Rev Tuikilakila Waqairatu says the New Zealand delegation was told the proposal would not go down well with the culture of Fiji and the Pacific.
As well, he fears that if gays and lesbians are ordained, the congregation could also start following the lifestyles of their preachers
