Tragic Violence Among United Methodists in Nigeria Raises Calls for Peace
The violent conflict in rural Nigeria has resulted in the deaths of three United Methodists amid clashes between The United Methodist Church and the breakaway Global Methodist Church. Two toddlers perished in a fire, and ten church members were injured. Church leaders have condemned the violence and called for peace, urging both denominations to work towards reconciliation and justice, while also addressing property rights and maintaining dialogue.
In rural Nigeria, escalating violence has led to the tragic deaths of three United Methodists, including a young man shot during a confrontation and two young children who died in a house fire. The conflict arose during clashes between congregants of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the Global Methodist Church in Taraba State amidst a backdrop of government-imposed church closures due to ongoing disputes.
During the unrest, Elisha Masoyi, 27, was killed by gunfire, while two toddlers, children of church member Abraham Kefas, perished when their hut was set ablaze. Additionally, ten church members sustained injuries and are currently recovering at home. In response, bishops from The United Methodist Church have condemned the violence and extended their support to the community.
Bishop John Pena Auta of the Global Methodist Church also called for peace, urging individuals from both denominations to refrain from violence and promote tranquility. The bishops of The United Methodist Church expressed outrage over such atrocities occurring among fellow Christians, urging the need for justice against the perpetrators.
The situation intensified following a series of departures from The United Methodist Church to the Global Methodist Church, with bishops urging members to cease disseminating harmful misinformation that exacerbates tensions. They emphasized the importance of integrity and respectful dialogue in resolving conflicts peacefully.
Bishop John Schol remarked on the concerns among Global Methodist Church leaders regarding their future as The United Methodist Church gains traction in Nigeria. Notably, a significant number of individuals who left are now returning, reinforcing the original denomination’s mission.
In light of the conflict, The United Methodist Church has initiated legal action against the Global Methodist Church regarding property rights, while calls for unity and adherence to national laws regarding social issues have been made. The Council of Bishops has urged all United Methodists to emulate peace amidst violence, expressing condolences to the grieving families.
Local church leaders have emphasized the need for prayers and counseling in the wake of the tragedy. Many families have been displaced, with hundreds seeking refuge from the ongoing hostility. The bishop of the Global Methodist Church called for reconciliation and sustainable peace among the communities affected by this unrest, reaffirming the need to combat the forces of chaos.
In summary, the violent clashes in Taraba State, Nigeria, have resulted in the deaths of three United Methodists and injuries to others, prompting calls for peace and justice from church leaders. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by both The United Methodist Church and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria. Leaders are advocating for calm, reconciliation, and a collective effort to end the violence while maintaining mutual respect among congregants of differing denominations. Legal actions regarding property rights and social awareness campaigns are pivotal in addressing underlying tensions. Furthermore, the bishops’ unified voice emphasizes the necessity of integrity and a peaceful resolution to misunderstandings rooted in misinformation. The tragic loss of lives underscores the urgency for dialogue and healing in the community, as efforts to restore stability and foster reconciliation continue.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
