United Methodist Church members exit over LGBTQ acceptance, join Global Methodist Church

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By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe

The United Methodist Church (UMC), Northern Nigeria has exited the church and joined the Global Methodist Church over LGBTQ acceptance by the former.

The decision was taken during a special called Annual conference session held at UMCN Bachama, Tondolo District, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State on Thursday.

The decision was contained in a communique signed and issued by Rev. Lydia Alafy, Chairperson and Mr. Titus Haske, Secretary Communiqué drafting committee which was made available to journalists in Gombe on Saturday.

According to the communiqué, the reason for the exit was the result of the recent General Conference resolutions convened in Charlotte, North Caroline, United States which legalized regionalization, same-sex marriage and the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.

The communiqué further contained that, delegates at the special called session, “Unanimously voted to exit the UMC, stating that they cannot be part of a Church that ‘legalized sin’ and ‘celebrates homosexuality.'”

It further contained that, “Delegates in session have unanimously voted that we in the UMC Northern Nigeria Annual Conference will move to join any emerging connectional Methodist denomination with all our properties.”

Also in the communique, “Being that we in Nigeria joined the United Methodist Church in 1985 with our properties from EKAN Church.”

According to the delegates,”The UMC recognizes same-sex marriage,” stressing however that “it is not only unbiblical but against our norms and culture.”

The conference also expressed concerns over regionalization, which they believe would lead to disharmony in the Church due to ‘unbiblical’ theological persuasions and interpretations.

Our correspondent reports that, Bishop Yohanna Wesley was unavoidably absent, the delegates in session invoked Par. 603.6 of the UMC Book Of Discipline to elect President Pro-tempore among the elders without debate, in which Rev. Wilson Ganah was elected to preside over the meeting.