Bishop Ande of UMCN Condemns Senseless Killings, Calls for Peace and Justice

In a somber press statement released on December 23, 2024, Bishop Ande Emmanuel condemned the brutal killings of three United Methodists, including a 27-year-old and two children aged 2 and 4, in the village of Munga Dossa. The statement also addressed the ongoing tensions between the United Methodist Church and the breakaway Global Methodist Church in Nigeria. According to Bishop Ande Emmanuel, the killings occurred on December 15, 2024, when individuals associated with the Global Methodist Church entered a United Methodist Church in Munga Dossa and opened fire, killing three people and injuring 10 others.

The perpetrators then returned that night and set fire to 11 homes, resulting in the deaths of two more children. The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has condemned the violent attacks, calling them "senseless" and "unacceptable." Bishop Ande Emmanuel emphasized that the church will not retaliate with violence, instead choosing to remain peaceful and work towards justice and healing. The statement also addressed the underlying tensions between the United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.

Bishop Ande Emmanuel explained that the tensions date back to 2012, when Bishop Yohanna was elected as the Bishop of Nigeria, and a group of 300,000 United Methodists refused to recognize his leadership. The Global Methodist Church has been accused of making false claims about the United Methodist Church's stance on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy. Bishop Ande Emmanuel clarified that the United Methodist Church in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular, does not permit same-sex marriage or ordain LGBTQ+ clergy.

In the statement, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has called on the Global Methodist Church to stop its "tactics of division" and to work towards peaceful coexistence. The church has also appealed to the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, to unseal United Methodist Church properties, which were sealed by the state government to prevent the breakdown of law and order. In conclusion, Bishop Ande Emmanuel emphasized the United Methodist Church's commitment to peace, progress, and development in Nigeria.

The church has pledged to continue its humanitarian work and partnership with the Nigerian people, despite the challenges posed by the Global Methodist Church. As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria is praying for "silent nights where peace will prevail." The church encourages all United Methodists to be "bearers of light

The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has a long history of promoting peace, justice, and development in the country. With over 700,000 members, the church has been actively engaged in various humanitarian projects, including education, healthcare, and rural development. However, the church has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with the emergence of the Global Methodist Church, a breakaway denomination that has been accused of promoting division and violence.

The tensions between the two churches date back to 2012, when Bishop Yohanna was elected as the Bishop of Nigeria, and a group of 300,000 United Methodists refused to recognize his leadership. The situation has since escalated, with reports of violence, intimidation, and harassment against United Methodist members and properties.

Also during the issuing of the press statement, Bishop announced a recent development; the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) under his leadership has initiated discussions which are aimed at unifying the factioned group of the church, led by Rev. Dr. Micah Philip Dopah. This move aims to bring together the divided groups within the church and promote unity among its members. According to Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the UMCN, discussion have been advanced and the church has been working tirelessly to promote peace, justice, and development in Nigeria, despite facing numerous challenges.

Concerning the allegations that the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN) has fraudulently renamed the UMCN to GMCN at the Coporate Affairs Commission, thereby claiming the properties and assets of the UMCN, he said "The UMCN has been a prominent institution in Nigeria, promoting peace, justice, and development," Bishop Emmanuel stated. "However, the GMCN's actions are a clear attempt to undermine our efforts and create division within the church." Bishop Emmanuel emphasized that the UMCN legal team is working assiduously towards moves that may challenge the GMCN's actions in court. He call on members to remain calm and peaceful, while also calling on the authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators of violence." The UMCN has a long history of promoting peace and development in Nigeria, and this latest development is seen as a significant step towards unity and reconciliation. As the church moves forward with its unification efforts, it remains committed to its core values of peace, justice, and compassion.

The senseless killings in Munga Dossa have sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria and the global United Methodist community. The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has condemned the violence and called for justice and peace. As the church works towards healing and reconciliation, it remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and development in Nigeria.

The international community is urged to condemn the violence and support the United Methodist Church in Nigeria's efforts to promote peace and justice. The Nigerian government is also called upon to take decisive action to prevent further violence and ensure that justice is served.

As Christmas approaches, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and its global partners pray for silent nights where peace will prevail, and for the perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice. The church remains steadfast in its commitment to being a beacon of hope and light in the face of adversity, and to promoting peace, justice, and development in Nigeria.