Fijian and Tongan Methodism

Pacific islanders have made Christianity their own, including the Methodism introduced by British missionaries in the early nineteenth century. At times, island Methodism has challenged political and social traditions, dissenting from racism against immigrant communities or undemocratic rule. In other cases, Methodism has enjoyed privileged status as the established religion of the land. In Tonga it thrived under royal patronage. In Fiji it attracted nationalists whose racial essentialism drew it into a military coup and the machinations of a dictator. Either way, Methodist churches have been challenged in recent decades by breakaway revival movements and new denominations, many of which seek to return Methodism to its roots in spiritual holiness. These challenges continue to reflect the active agency of islanders in shaping the religious life of their communities.