Reverends' retirement plans postponed

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 23 August 2020, 8:00AM

Plans for four Church Ministers of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) to retire this year have been changed due to the coronavirus State of Emergency (S.O.E.). 

It is a requirement of church policy that Reverends become pensioners once they reach the age of 70.

Usually, a special service is hosted by the C.C.C.S. church every year during their Annual Conference (Fonotele) at which they pay tribute to Elders who become pensioners. 

However, due to the cancellation of this year’s Annual Conference and state of emergency restrictions, the church had had to look at other alternatives. 

The Secretary-General of the C.C.C.S, Reverend Vavatau Taufao, in response to queries from Samoa Observer, said the Ministers were instead given two options:

“The first one is, for them to take their retirement this year, where they will be honoured through a service that should be conducted at the Matagaluega,” he said.  

“The second one is, for them to wait until the next Fonotele, God willing where they will be honoured through a service like the ones we usually have.”

According to Reverend Vavatau, two Church Ministers have decided to call it a day and enjoy their retirement. 

The other two, however, chose to wait until the next Fonotele. 

Last year, a total of eleven church Ministers became pensioners and all were honoured through a service held at the Malua Jubilee. 

 



By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 23 August 2020, 8:00AM

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