say Fiji Methodists

“Too much time spent around yaqona bowl” say Fiji Methodists

The Methodist Church of Fiji has passed a motion to discour age its members from drinking too much yaqona (kava).

Concern was expressed at the church’s annual conference at Cuvu, Nadroga, late in Aug ust about the adverse effects of yaqona.

Conference public relations officer, Isoa Makutu, said the motion to restrict yaqona drink ing came from the Lau division.

Mr Makutu said the decision would be referred to the various divisions and circuits and the

message conveyed to mem bers.

“It will be advice to show how concerned the church is about excessive drinking of ya qona,” he said.

He said it had been seen that through excessive yaqona drinking many young people were not able to carry out their responsibilities.

“It happens not just in towns but in villages too, and it makes them weak, sleepy, irresponsi ble and plain lazy,” Mr Makutu said.

“They are using most of their time and money drinking ya qona and not attending to things like planting, as they should.”

Drinking of yaqona was also a target of criticism in a report prepared for the church by two American Christian researchers, Dr Alfred Dale and Mrs Dorothy Dale, and the Rev Jovili Meo.

“Excessive yaqona drinking is the number one enemy of church leaders, ministers and members of congregations in positions of leadership,” it said.

The report also said that cigarette smoking among church leaders should be re duced.