Violence erupted between the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, stemming from ownership disputes over church properties following changes in UMC teachings on marriage. An incident at Banyam Theological Seminary on February 17 resulted in injuries and intervention by the Nigerian Army. The narrative surrounding the violence reflects conflicting reports from church leaders, emphasizing ongoing tensions and the need for peace.
Tensions among Methodists in Nigeria have escalated into violence following the United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference last year, which changed its traditional stance on marriage. The latest incident occurred on February 17th at Banyam Theological Seminary, where ownership disputes over the seminary and other church properties between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the UMC have led to unrest. This matter is currently being addressed in the Nigerian courts.
During a worship service organized by the GMC, a group of UMC supporters disrupted the gathering. Bishop Scott Jones reported that the attendees sought to hold the Central Nigerian Annual Conference peacefully; however, the UMC group returned to the seminary armed and engaged in acts of violence, resulting in injuries to several attendees and the intervention of the Nigerian Army to restore order.
Statements from both church leaders reflect conflicting narratives regarding the violence. Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the UMC referred to the confrontation as an “altercation” and indicated that GMC members were responsible for vandalism. He later condemned violence from both camps while emphasizing the responsibilities of the GMC for earlier incidents, maintaining a focus on the ongoing property dispute.
Conversely, the GMC has consistently condemned violence from all involved parties and accused UMC members of instigating the recent attack. The annual conference continued as planned, with Bishop Jones encouraging attendees to pursue peace in light of the incidents. The violence that broke out in a separate incident in December serves as a grim backdrop, resulting in fatalities and significant property damage, illustrating the complexities of the tensions between these denominations.
Reports suggest that these conflicts may be entwined with broader, long-standing familial disputes in Nigeria, complicating the assignment of blame. The GMC has taken a proactive stance in promoting peace and supporting affected individuals, while urging for clarity around the nature of these disputes. It is essential for church leadership to uniformly condemn acts of violence to foster constructive dialogue and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the escalating violence among Methodists in Nigeria underscores the deepening divisions stemming from recent doctrinal changes and property disputes between the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church. The involvement of armed groups, injuries to individuals, and varying narratives from church leaders complicate the situation. Calls for peace and reconciliation from both factions highlight the urgent need to address underlying tensions and prevent further violence.
Original Source: juicyecumenism.com
