By our correspondent
The leadership of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Nigeria has urged Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to ensure fairness in resolving the ongoing conflict with the breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
At a world press conference held in Jalingo on Tuesday, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, Resident Bishop of UMC Nigeria and Mission Districts of Senegal and Cameroon, called on the state government to take decisive steps in addressing the dispute over church properties. He emphasized the need for dialogue to foster peace between the two factions.
“We call on the governor to be just in handling this issue. We implore the government, in the spirit of fairness and justice, to take proper measures with the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) to help re-establish peace in the region,” Bishop Emmanuel stated.
He expressed confidence that peace would be restored once both state and church authorities were respected by all members of the community, including the UMC and GMC. The bishop also urged GMC leaders to refrain from actions that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence that Taraba residents have long enjoyed.
Reaffirming UMC’s commitment to non-violence, Bishop Emmanuel condemned the spread of misinformation and acts of aggression targeting the church. He criticized an executive order that led to the closure of UMC churches in the state, attributing it to “continued misinformation about property claims.”
He further alleged that GMC members continue to occupy UMC churches and operate from the church’s secretariat in Mile Six under military protection. Additionally, he raised concerns about attacks on UMC properties, including the destruction of the Banyan Seminary in Taraba and the burning of the UMC church in Keru village, Adamawa State.
According to the bishop, GMC leaders and their associates have filed unfounded complaints that have prevented UMC leaders from entering Nigeria, disrupting ministry work.
Despite these tensions, Bishop Emmanuel urged UMC members to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the church would pursue justice through legal and diplomatic channels.
“If members hear about something that may create tension, they should not engage in words or deeds but alert the police and leave the matter to authorities,” he advised.
The conflict between the UMC and GMC in Nigeria remains a divisive issue, with both factions battling over church ownership and leadership. UMC leaders hope Governor Kefas’ intervention will pave the way for a peaceful resolution.