Violence erupted in Nigeria following a religious schism over LGBTQ policies, resulting in devastating consequences for local communities. A member of the United Methodist Church was fatally shot, and two children died when their home was ignited during clashes between the separate factions of the church.
According to reports from the United Methodist News Service, the tragic events unfolded on Sunday, as tensions soared due to the recent decisions made by the international United Methodist Church to lift bans on LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage. This move led to the formation of the new conservative Global Methodist Church, sparking significant discord among congregations.
On December 15, violence escalated dramatically during confrontations between members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church at Munga Dosso, Taraba State. During these altercations, 27-year-old Elisha Masoyi was shot and killed. Tragically, this violence led to the deaths of four-year-old Abednego and two-year-old Baby, who were the children of Abraham Kefas, overseer of the Divine Success UMCN Nursery and Primary School. The small children lost their lives when their home was set ablaze amid the chaos.
Witnesses reported approximately ten church members suffered injuries during the violent outbreak, and local reports indicated homes were set on fire as the unrest extended beyond the church grounds. The tension is rooted in reactions against the United Methodist Church's decisions, which some factions viewed as contradictory to their beliefs and practices, prompting the formation of the Global Methodist Church.
This recent conflict is part of a broader struggle within the United Methodist Church globally, following its general conference decision to permit local congregations the autonomy to dictate their own policies concerning LGBTQ issues. This autonomy starkly contrasts with the approach taken by the West Africa Central Conference which governs churches within Nigeria, maintaining traditional interpretations of marriage and family.
Local United Methodist bishops expressed outrage at the violence and called for peace among church members. They lamented the tragedy as particularly painful since it involved individuals who were formerly part of the same Methodist family. “We are outraged,” the bishops declared. “We urge GMC members, at all levels, to put an immediate end to the violence and refrain from disseminate misinformation,” they added, highlighting the responsibility especially of leadership to cultivate harmony rather than conflict.
The Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church released their own statement, acknowledging the somber circumstances. They decried violence and underscored the need for reconciliation and peace. “We mourn the loss of human life,” they stated, imploring all involved to be ambassadors of peace.
Even as leaders worked to calm tensions, the roots of the conflict became increasingly complex. Bishop John Schol, representing the United Methodist Church, indicated predictions of heightened challenges as factions within the church are fortifying their respective positions. “The GMC has become increasingly concerned about their standing and the potential loss of property and funds to the United Methodist Church,” he said. This had fueled divisions and deepened distrust, leading to conflict and violence.
Efforts to quell the violence focused on promoting dialogue and reconciliation between the factions. Both sets of religious leaders encouraged dialogue not only to heal the current rift but to prevent potential future conflicts. “We call upon both Global and United Methodists to serve as agents of peace,” pleaded the bishops.
This incident reflects broader national issues as Nigeria grapples with various conflicts linked to identity, religion, and social policies. With varying interpretations of morality and legality, many religious communities are confronting the repercussions of sociopolitical changes, often manifesting as violence.
United Methodist Bishop-elect Ande Emmanuel, newly elected at the West Africa Central Conference, expressed the necessity of addressing both the communal strife and the underlying theological divisions fueling the unrest. His vision for the future includes fostering trust and gradual healing, which remains pivotal as the church navigates these competing values and doctrines.
Despite the turmoil, there are glimmers of hope. A movement among some church members, including those who formerly left the United Methodist Church, has begun to return, signaling potential reconciliation. Schol stated, “A group of 400,000 United Methodists who left during Bishop Yohanna’s tenure have now returned, strengthening the United Methodist witness,” underscoring the dynamic and changing nature of congregational affiliation.
Both the United Methodist Church and Global Methodist Church find themselves at crossroad decisions as they respond to the aftermath of recent violence and the need for peaceable discourse. So far, the government has engaged minimally, but it’s clear religious leaders advocate for immediate action aimed at restoring order.
Addressing the root of violence necessitates acknowledgment of emotional scars left by loss, and leaders know healing is simply not enough. The desire for justice and accountability also must be pursued. Community engagement will be necessary to navigate authentically through the aftermath and to search for sustainable solutions.
Until peace is restored, clergy, congregations, and community leaders must summon strength and grace to mend the brokenness left behind by this tragedy, not just within the congregational walls but also within the larger societal framework of Nigeria.
