Escalating Violence Among Methodists in Nigeria: A Call for Peace and Reconciliation
Tensions between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria have escalated into violence, culminating in a violent incident on February 17 at Banyam Theological Seminary amid a property dispute. Bishop Scott Jones reported armed disruptions by UMC supporters that resulted in injuries and intervention by the Nigerian Army. Conflicting narratives from both church leaders highlight the complexities of the ongoing strife.
Tensions among Methodists in Nigeria have surged following a pivotal change in the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) stance on marriage during the General Conference last year, escalating into violence. Recent confrontations erupted on February 17 at Banyam Theological Seminary amid disputes over the seminary’s ownership between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and UMC, with the matter currently under review by the Nigerian courts.
Bishop Scott Jones, present at the site, reported that attendees of the GMC’s Central Nigerian Annual Conference were interrupted during their worship service. A group advocating for the UMC disrupted the gathering, leading to the relocation of the conference. However, these individuals returned armed to the seminary, resulting in acts of vandalism and violence against the GMC congregants, causing several injuries and necessitating intervention by the Nigerian Army to restore order.
The incident has been briefly covered by the United Methodist News Service, highlighting the escalating property disputes between the UMC and GMC, underscoring conflicting narratives regarding the violent episode. Both UMC Bishop Ande Emmanuel and the Global Methodist Church Assembly of Bishops provided differing accounts, asserting violence and destruction on both sides.
Bishop Ande Emmanuel characterized the situation as an “altercation” while attributing blame to GMC members for vandalism at the seminary. Although he noted the presence of UMC members during the violence, his initial comments lacked a clear condemnation of their actions, focusing instead on the ongoing property dispute. Subsequent statements from him condemned violence but placed significant blame on the GMC for previous incidents.
The GMC has consistently condemned violence from all sides. Furthermore, they indicated that UMC members were responsible for the recent attack and previous disturbances. Despite the violence at the seminary, the annual conference successfully progressed with ordinations, where Bishop Jones emphasized the need for peace and restrained retaliation.
A previous violent occurrence in Munga Dosa in December claimed the lives of three United Methodists and led to extensive destruction of property, with accusations exchanged between the denominations regarding the violence. The complexities surrounding these tensions may mirror deeper familial disputes in Nigeria rather than being purely about the GMC and UMC tensions. Responses to these incidents reveal a pervasive challenge in pinpointing the exact causes of violence amidst the intricacies of local relationships.
In summary, the recent violence between the GMC and UMC in Nigeria highlights a critical intersection of theological disputes and underlying socio-cultural tensions. The prompt condemnations from GMC towards the violence are commendable, and continued efforts for peace and clarity are essential. Equally, UMC’s eventual condemnations of the February attack must match the gravity of prior incidents to foster reconciliation and healing in this fragmented community.
The violent incidents among Methodists in Nigeria underscore an alarming escalation of tensions rooted in doctrinal disputes and property disagreements. As both the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church navigate these challenges, it is imperative for leadership on both sides to advocate for peace, accountability, and a unified approach to resolving the conflicts stemming from both theological and social complexities. Continued dialogue and cooperation are essential to heal the divisions within their community and restore peace.
Original Source: juicyecumenism.com
