The protest by hundreds of United Methodist Church (UMC) members in Gombe State underscores deep divisions within the church over LGBTQ rights and regionalisation. Held during the Northern and Central Nigeria Annual Conferences in Gondum village, Shongom local government area, the demonstrators carried placards expressing their rejection of LGBTQ inclusion and regionalisation, reaffirming their commitment to a unified church.
Yohana Wesley, the Resident Bishop of Nigeria UMC, highlighted that the factional group's refusal to follow established church procedures prompted the decision to disown them. Chipau Kiliyobas, Director of Connectional Ministry of the Northern Nigeria UMC Annual Conference, identified the disagreement over LGBTQ rights and regionalisation as the primary sources of conflict between the factions. This protest reflects broader global debates within the United Methodist Church about these contentious issues.
He emphasised that the traditional and majority group in the church deem LGBTQ acts as unholy.
While Bishop John Schol, representing the Council of Bishops from the United States, attempted to reconcile the factions and unify all church members, his remarks were met with resistance from the protesters.
Mr Schol clarified that regional decisions on same-sex marriage would be respected, with no imposition from the global church, but the protesters remained steadfast in their opposition to LGBTQ recognition.
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