21 Mar 2017

Cracks in Samoa church over minister

From , 4:03 pm on 21 March 2017

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa remains divided over one of its ministers.

In the latest incident five paramount chiefs have been banned from their village.

The high ranking chiefs or matai of Matautu Falelatai village banished the five elderly paramount chiefs after they attempted to sack the village pastor, Reverend Elder Tauti'aga Senara.

The group were unhappy Reverend Senara did not support the district's letter to the Elders of the Church seeking to withdraw a decision to stand down Reverend Opapo Soana'i, a village pastor within the district of Falelatai.

Reverend Soana'i is the father of the woman who is believed to have stigmata and is currently in Rome where these marks are being investigated by the Catholic Church.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia spoke with Moera Tuilaepa Taylor about the various aspects of case.

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Reverend Opapo Soana'i says he has not been informed officially of the decision to strip his pastoral duties.

Reverend Opapo Soana'i of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa. Photo: Tipi Autagavaia Tipi