The president of the Fiji Methodist Church is aiming to soon have a smoke-free church.
Its newly inducted president, Tuikilakila Waqairatu, outlined his vision for a healthy church in his opening address of the annual general meeting yesterday.
The church's secretary for communication, the Reverend James Bhagwan, says as part of this, ministers have been encouraged by the president to drink kava responsibly and in moderation.
He says ministers who were approved for ordination, and ministry training candidates, were challenged to give up smoking.
"The ministers and the leaders of the church are to lead by example so it's very hard to preach these things when they are not themselves following those instructions. It's about walking the talk pretty much for the Methodist church in Fiji and this is the direction we are going."
The Reverend James Bhagwan says a date for when they would like to see the church be smoke-free will possibly be set during its strategic planning.