Three United Methodists were killed in Nigeria amid clashes between The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the Global Methodist Church. The violence included gunfire and arson, resulting in fatalities and injuries in the community. Church leaders condemned the actions, advocating for peace and justice while addressing the underlying tensions precipitating the conflict.
Amid escalating conflict in rural Nigeria, a young man was killed by gunfire and two toddlers perished in a fire after their hut was set ablaze. The violence stemmed from clashes between members of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church in Munga Dosso, Taraba State. Following this tragic incident, the community is in mourning due to the deaths of Elisha Masoyi, a 27-year-old United Methodist, and two children, 4-year-old Abednego and 2-year-old Baby.
United Methodist bishops have condemned the violence and offered support to the impacted community, urging both congregations to maintain peace despite the conflict. Bishop John Pena Auta of the Global Methodist Church encouraged community members to embrace harmony. The attack occurred after a gathering of Global Methodist members at Bwoi United Methodist Church, despite the government’s closure of the churches due to previous unrest.
Elisha Masoyi was shot during the conflict, with his injury highlighting the violence that spread through Munga Dosso. Ten church members were injured during this confrontation and are currently recovering at home. The bishops’ statements reflect their outrage at such violence occurring among Christians and emphasize the call to action for justice against those responsible.
Bishop-elect Ande Emmanuel and Nigeria Lead Bishop John Schol condemned the attacks and urged church leaders to address the escalating violence. They emphasized the necessity for both church members and leaders of the Global Methodist Church to act justly and avoid spreading misinformation. The bishops also encouraged affected members to report incidents to police to help restore peace.
Johnson Schol expressed his concerns over the Global Methodist leaders’ awareness about the progress of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria. He mentioned the challenges faced by the breakaway group, including legal issues regarding property and governance. Government officials initially perceived the situation through a harmful lens, exacerbated by claims about the United Methodist Church endorsing same-gender marriage. Schol noted a shift in perceptions regarding the UMC, highlighted by a return of approximately 400,000 former members.
The United Methodist Church has filed a lawsuit against the Global Methodist Church to reclaim its license to operate in Nigeria. Recent developments in the West Africa Central Conference indicate a push to clarify church policies regarding LGBTQ issues. Emmanuel’s recent election and the reception he received demonstrate a strengthening of United Methodist unity in Nigeria, emphasizing a growing concern from the Global Methodist Church over their standing.
Despite expressing concerns about increasing violence, a lack of response from Global Methodist leaders regarding the growing unrest was noted by Schol. The council of bishops has advocated for peace following the tragic incidents and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The council emphasized that violence fails to meaningfully resolve conflicts while commending local leadership for their rapid response to maintain order in the community.
The Rev. Eli S. Yakku highlighted the need for prayers and counseling in the stricken community, as many families have been displaced due to the violence, with as many as 11 homes set ablaze. The Global Methodist Church’s communications office called for forgiveness and sustainable peace, attributing the unrest to an unknown instigator aiming to create discord among community members.
The article highlights the tragic loss of life and rising tensions between factions within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria amid ongoing conflict. The bishops’ calls for peace and justice underscore the urgency of addressing the violence that threatens the community. By promoting reconciliation and support for affected families, church leaders aim to foster harmony in a challenging socio-political landscape, while legal disputes continue to complicate relations between the competing church factions.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
