UMCN 100 years anniversary: Bishop Yohanna rejects same-sex marriage, says his position remains unshakable

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Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna

By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

Ahead of the world annual conference of the United Methodist Church taking place at  the United States of America slated for 2024, Resident Bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, Johnwesley Yohanna said he still unshakably rejects LGBTO+ and same-sex marriage.

The bishop stated this during a world press conference to mark 100 years anniversary of the Church at Chapel Secretariat in Jalingo.

He said inclusion of LGBTO+ within United Methodist Church opposes God’s words in Genesis Chapter 2 and therefore will not be part of the group if they go ahead with such doctrine at the end of the world annual conference.

According to him, “it is crucial to recognize the diverse perspectives that exist within our global Family. We navigate these conversations with deep respect for differing interpretations of scripture and understand the complexity of this issue. Our commitment to unity amid diversity calls us to engage in respectful dialogue, seeking understanding and common ground. But you should all know my position in this issue remains unshakable.

Speaking on the anniversary starting from Friday December 8 to Sunday December 10, Bishop Yohanna said arrangement has been concluded for the historic event expected to draw people from diverse communities all over the world at the church secretariat Jalingo and therefore enjoy Christian faithful to grace the occasion.

The bishop who traced history of the church that established in a community known as “Bambur” in the present Karim Lamido Local government area of Taraba state in 1923 by then missionaries has sprayed all over Nigeria, just as he used the occasion and appealed to members who bycotted the church in the recent time to come back in the interest of peace, unity and one united family.

Bishop Yohanna acknowledge the presence of God said he remain grateful for being part of the celebration, pointing out that the event calls for sober reflection. He said those who started the journey 100 years ago were not privilege to witness the centennial anniversary including pioneer bishops/leaders of the church and other members.