Samoa church minister sacked after Rome trip

Samoa's Congregational Christian Church has sacked one of its ministers after a trip to the Vatican, RNZ reports.

According to RNZ  correspondent,  the decision to stand down Reverend Opapo Soana'i Oeti was made following a meeting of the Elders committee.

Reverend Opapo is the father of the woman who is believed to have stigmata and is in Rome where these marks are being investigated by the Catholic Church.

Autagavaia Tipi Autagaiva said one reason given for his dismissal was his trip last year to Rome to accompany his daughter.

Reverend Opapo said the church breached his constitutional rights because it sacked him without asking him to appear to give his side of the matter.

The reverend, who serves at Siufaga Falelatai parish, told reporters the decision ended his career in the ministry.

Reverend Opapo, who has two legally registered matai titles, told reporters he would serve his family through the matai titles.



Photo: Tipi Autagavaia Tipi Reverend Opapo Soana'i of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa. 
Source: Radio New Zealand