A recent incident at Banyam Theological Seminary signifies escalating violence among Methodists in Nigeria due to disputes over church property following a change in teachings by the United Methodist Church. Bishops from both denominations have provided conflicting accounts of the event, which involved armed confrontations leading to multiple injuries. Calls for peace and unity from church leaders underscore the urgent need for dialogue amidst ongoing tensions.
Tensions among Methodists in Nigeria have escalated into violence following a change in the United Methodist Church’s historic teaching on marriage during last year’s General Conference. A significant incident occurred on February 17th at Banyam Theological Seminary, where a dispute regarding ownership between the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church remains active in the Nigerian court system.
Bishop Scott Jones reported that members of the Global Methodist Church were worshipping at the seminary when supporters of the United Methodist Church interrupted the service, leading to the relocation of the conference. Unfortunately, those supporters returned with weapons, engaging in property destruction and physical assaults on Global Methodist Church members, resulting in several injuries and necessitating intervention from the Nigerian Army.
In a separate account, Bishop Jones described the scene of violence, sharing that a number of individuals, including a presiding elder, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the chaos. Following the attack, differing narratives emerged regarding the event between the United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church, highlighting the deepening rift and ongoing turmoil as both sides accused one another.
As the situation unfolded, Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church referred to the event as an “altercation” and shared concerns regarding vandalism attributed to Global Methodist Church members, while criticising their presence at the seminary. Emphasizing a commitment to peace, he subsequently urged unity amidst escalating tensions, reiterating the need for dialogue to resolve disputes surrounding church properties.
Within this context, the Global Methodist Church has likewise released statements calling for peace and condemning violence on all fronts. The ongoing conflict has roots in a broader history of intra-community disputes, adding complexity to the current issues between the two denominations. Despite these challenges, the Central Nigeria Annual Conference continued, emphasizing calls for reconciliation from church leadership.
Historically, violence in Nigeria has often involved both factional disputes and deeper, entrenched societal issues. Notably, a previous incident in Munga Dosa led to the deaths of three United Methodists and significant property damage. The narrative describes violence as multifaceted, complicating the assignment of responsibility while urging all parties involved to prioritize peace and understanding moving forward.
The commitment to peace from leadership on both sides signifies a crucial step towards addressing the entrenched frustrations underlying these conflicts. Thus, as more information surfaces regarding these incidents, it is essential that church leaders uniformly condemn violence to foster an environment conducive to healing and reconciliation within the Nigerian Methodist community.
The recent violence among Methodists in Nigeria illustrates the profound divisions exacerbated by church governance changes and property disputes. Both the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church bear responsibility for resolving tensions through constructive dialogue and mutual respect. Continuous calls for peace from church leaders highlight the urgent need for reconciliation and understanding amid a complex and painful history of violence within the region.
Original Source: juicyecumenism.com
