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Lay preachers could face smoking ban from 2027

August 25, 2026 5:02 pm

[Photo: File]

The Methodist Church is proposing a smoking ban for all its lay preachers, which could come into effect from January next year.

Church President Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou says the proposal is part of the Church’s focus on liberation and reformation.

He says lay preachers cannot preach about freedom while remaining bound by habits such as smoking.

“We cannot talk about liberation and reformation when we ourselves are still bound by habits like smoking.”

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The proposed move is also aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of church leaders and restoring the image of the Church.