There is growing concern over religious freedom in Fiji following news that the government has forced the Methodist Church to cancel its annual conference.

Methodists in Britain and Ireland are urging a day of prayer and fasting on 25 February in solidarity with Methodists in Fiji. The military regime in Fiji has banned the Methodist Church's meetings and arrested its leaders.

Nine Methodist Church leaders in Fiji have returned to court as the military regime continues to crack down on those who speak out against it. The nine Methodists have been banned from preaching and attending meetings.

Nine Methodist Church leaders appeared in court in Fiji yesterday, pleading not guilty to charges of breaching Public Emergency Regulations. They have been released on bail but are forbidden to preach, speak in public or meet with each other.