Fiji's justice ministry has warned executives of the country's Methodist Church not to suppress evidence of criminal activities within the church.
Radio Legend says the warning was issued after statements by the general secretary of the church, the Rev Ame Tugaue, that they will not report allegations of sexual abuse of female students by two church ministers because the matter could be dealt with internally.
The radio quotes the chief executive of the justice ministry, Sakiusa Rabuka, as saying that the church leaders could be charged with being accessories to the crimes and compounding a criminal sexual offence.
Mr Rabuka says the church constitution cannot be used to conceal serious crimes committed by church ministers.
