Father risks being stood down from E.F.K.S church

By Ilia L. Likou 19 January 2017, 12:00AM

The father of a Samoan woman who claims to be carrying the marks of Jesus Christ’s suffering could be stood down from being a Pastor of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S).

The Samoa Observer understands that the future of Reverend Opapo So’ana’i, who currently looks after the Siufaga C.C.C.S, is under scrutiny. 

A source said the issue is being considered by the Elders Committee.

Repeated attempts to get a comment from the Chairman of the Committee, Reverend Tavita Anesone were unsuccessful.

Rev. Soanai told the Samoa Observer he is aware of the reports but as of yesterday he was still the Minister at Si’ufaga.

“As of today, I haven’t received any confirmation or official word from the Church in relation to the issue,” he said.

“We (are) still with the Matagaluega and we are still pastoring here at Siufaga. That’s all I can say for now. Maybe it’s better to get an official comment from the Elders of the church.”

The Samoa Observer was told that one of the issues is the difference of opinions at the Matagaluega Falelatai. Members of the Matagaluega are apparently divided over whether Rev. Soanai should continue at Si’ufaga.

Contacted for a comment, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara declined. He said it would be better to get a comment from the Elders Committee.

Last year, Rev. Soana’i’s daughter, Toaipuapua Opapo Patrick, claimed to be experiencing the passion of the Christ and was carrying the marks of Jesus Christ’s suffering.

Rev. Soanai has been a strong supporter of his daughter who has since converted to Catholicism. He accompanied her to Rome recently where her stigmata claims are being investigated.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer last year, Toa said converting to the Catholic faith is the only way she can continue her mission from God.

 “I am a messenger and I want to continue the work that I have been sent to do,” she said.

“I know the majority of the people misunderstand almost everything I say, they twist it. But being chosen by God as a messenger is something I did not ask for. He chooses whoever he wants as a messenger.” 

Toa said she could not wait for the leadership of the C.C.C.S to make up their minds about accepting her and most importantly the messages she was “receiving from God.”

 “We don’t have that much time to prepare and get things done because God gave us this mission to complete right on time,” she said. “So we don’t want to just sit around and wait for everyone to agree. We wanted to continue our mission and I feel this is the only way.” 

She added that while she continues to be fully supportive of her parents' work as Church Ministers of the C.C.C.S, some recent developments have left her with no choice but to become a Catholic.

 “The elders of the church (C.C.C.S) are trying to stop us from spreading the messages and my father was instructed to distant himself from what’s going on with me,” she said. 

“He was told to remove the statues from inside the church.”

Toa said she feels sad about this.

“God didn’t say which religion is true and which is not, there is only one Church before God and that involves people who believe in him. 

“It’s not doing what makes you happy but it’s about doing what you are called to do.”

By Ilia L. Likou 19 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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