Escalating Violence Among Methodists in Nigeria: A Call for Peace and Resolution

Violence among Methodists in Nigeria escalated following a change in UMC teachings on marriage. On February 17, 2023, tensions culminated in an armed conflict at Banyam Theological Seminary, where UMC supporters attacked GMC members. Multiple injuries occurred, prompting a response from the Nigerian Army. Conflicting accounts from church leaders reflect a legacy of disputes, underscoring the need for peace and resolution.

Tensions have escalated among Methodists in Nigeria following the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) change in its teachings on marriage during last year’s General Conference. This discord has recently manifested in violent clashes, the latest of which occurred on February 17 at the Banyam Theological Seminary. The seminary’s ownership is disputed between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the UMC, with the matter currently pending in the Nigerian court system.

According to Bishop Scott Jones, violence erupted when a group of individuals supportive of the UMC disrupted a worship service held by members of the GMC at the seminary. The GMC had relocated the conference in an attempt to maintain peace after the initial disruption. Unfortunately, UMC supporters returned armed and engaged in physical confrontations, resulting in significant injuries to multiple individuals, prompting intervention from the Nigerian Army to restore order.

Bishop Jones noted, “The regular session of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference was disrupted by UMC supporters during the opening worship. After relocating the conference, those same supporters returned to Banyam Seminary, armed with weapons, where they vandalized property and assaulted GMC members.” This escalation led to several hospitalizations, underscoring the severe implications of the ongoing dispute.

The United Methodist News Service references conflicting accounts from both church factions regarding the incident, with both sides alleging violence and vandalism. Bishop Ande Emmanuel from UMC described the situation as an “altercation”, accusing GMC members of vandalism while negating direct responsibility for the violence. He recognized the presence of UMC members but refrained from an explicit condemnation of their actions immediately following the incident.

In a subsequent statement, Bishop Emmanuel condemned the violence from both parties while attributing the primary responsibility to the GMC. He emphasized the necessity for peace and urged GMC leaders to join in this commitment. The GMC has also denounced the violence and reiterated calls for calm and mutual understanding.

The annual conference continued its proceedings despite the unrest, and Bishop Jones advocated for peace during the event. In December, a violent incident in Munga Dosa resulted in fatalities and property destruction attributed to tensions between both denominations, showcasing a prolonged history of conflict. The Christian Post noted that the underlying causes of such violence often include familial disputes, complicating the attribution of motives in such conflicts.

In light of these ongoing tensions and recent violence, the GMC’s stance of calling for peace and condemning all forms of violence is commendable. However, it remains crucial for the UMC to match this commitment with an unequivocal denunciation of violent acts towards all parties involved. As more information emerges about the February incident, it is essential to promote dialogue and reconciliation.

In summary, the conflict between the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has escalated to violence, particularly highlighted by the events at the Banyam Theological Seminary. Conflicting narratives regarding the incidents reflect deep-seated grievances and complicate the resolution process. Both church factions are called to adopt a unified commitment to peace in order to prevent future outbreaks of violence and promote harmony within the community. The involvement of authoritative church leaders is paramount in fostering dialogue and understanding going forward.

Original Source: juicyecumenism.com