A pastor of the E.F.K.S Church who took the Church’s Elders Committee to Court is appealing the decision made by Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu.

The appeal is sought by Reverend Kerita Reupena who challenged the Committee’s decision to remove him from a key position of leadership in the Church.

Rev. Reupena, who was unsuccessful in his lawsuit against the E.F.K.S Elders Committee, is represented by lawyer Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe. 

Leota Tima Leavai is the lawyer for the Elders committee.  

During the Supreme Court civil mention yesterday, Chief Justice Patu indicated that the matter will “definitely be in the next sitting of Court of Appeal”. 

He also told the Court he has a “brief affidavit” that is not ready but will be filed and served by 7th November. 

Outside Court, Leulua’iali’i explained the appeal targets the decision by Justice Patu and his refusal to grant a full re-hearing of the matter. 

Leulua’iali’i said his client believes Chief Justice Patu did not declare his conflict of interest in the proceedings, given that he is a member of the church. 

In May, Chief Justice Patu ruled against Rev. Reupena’s legal claim and dismissed the case. 

The Chief Justice also dismissed an interim injunction that was granted in May 2015 which allows the church to appoint someone else to take over duties of Rev. Reupena. 

Rev. Reupena initially filed the lawsuit against the committee after they stripped him of his senior positions in the church including that of being the Director of the Queensland District.