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.
[audio_file]
Reverend Opapo Soana'i of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.
Photo: Tipi Autagavaia Tipi
Transcript
AUTAGAVAIA TIPI AUTAGAVAIA: It is a very sensitive issue because when we talk about the stigmata daughter, it's very sensitive to the Congregational church of Siufaga where Reverend Opapo Soana'i is now serving. Last week the annual meeting of all the Reverend Elders of the church reaffirmed that the decision made by a subcommittee of the elders, stripping all the pastoral roles of Reverend Opapo. But the difference with the recent decision at the annual general meeting was that he be given a one year suspension, subject to a review at the next annual meeting.
MOERA TUILAEPA-TAYLOR: This whole situation really surrounds this particular church minister, and it's now had a flow on effect to other members in the village district.
ATA: Exactly, and I think these paramount chiefs who were banished last Sunday, they are in support of Reverend Opapo and his daughter. The banished paramount chiefs hold the authority of Matautu Falelatai village, and now there are different chiefs taking over the village's authority.
MTT: I guess it's all created quite a division with in the church this issue?
ATA: It is, it is creating a lot of divisions not only in the elders committee but with all the Congregational Christian Churches in the district of Falelatai.
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