John Pulu of Tagata Pasifika
AUCKLAND (TVNZ Tagata Pasifika / Pacific Media Watch): Senior Tongan church ministers are calling for a freeze on big donations and new church buildings as concern grows over spending.
It follows news that a new church in Australia has folded, owing NZ$27 million (A$21 million).
The Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in Sydney was opened by King George Tupou V three years ago, but is reported to be in voluntary administration and receivership.
According to reports it owes money to Westpac Bank and an industrial paint company which gave the church a loan.
The Tongan community raised funds for the building and treasurer Sione Pinomi hopes they will help again.
"Of course it comes with a cost but that's all beyond the point. The most important thing for us is to accomplish our mission here, which is to bring Tonga to Australia," Reverend Pinomi said.
"I'm pretty sure this debt will be finished in the near future with the help of God and help of the people."
However, Mohenoa Puloka, a senior figure who trains ministers, has suggested a freeze on big projects in the wake of the church's collapse.
"The proposal was to put a stop to all the constructions in the church of Tonga overseas for three years - no more construction, church hall, chapel or any building," Dr Puloka said.
He also called for the annual money donating festival to be cancelled.
The idea is finding support in New Zealand, where followers have gone to great lengths to help out in the past.
"A lot of families have suffered big mortgages, refinancing to keep up with the demands made by the church for funds, so it has a very, very adverse effect on the Tongan community," Tavake Tupou from the Upper Room Church in Auckland said.
The head of the Wesleyan Church in New Zealand, Reverend Lopini Filise, has also supported the move, telling his congregation to only donate what they can.
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