Jalingo, Nigeria – A violent clash stemming from a schism within the United Methodist Church (UMC) has left three people dead, including two young children, and several others injured in Nigeria. The incident, which occurred on Sunday in Taraba State, northeast Nigeria, highlights the deep divisions within the church over its stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
According to the United Methodist News Service, the violence erupted between factions aligned with the UMC and the newly formed Global Methodist Church (GMC), which was created by conservative churches breaking away from the UMC. A United Methodist church member was fatally shot during the confrontation, and homes were set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of two children, aged 2 and 4, who were the children of an overseer at a United Methodist school and nursery. Ten other church members sustained injuries.
Background of the Schism
The division within the global Methodist community was precipitated by the UMC’s decision to repeal longstanding bans on LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage during its general conference in May. The repeal allowed local conferences to set their own standards, with the West Africa Central Conference—which includes Nigeria—maintaining a conservative stance that restricts marriage to between a man and a woman and adheres to national laws on LGBTQ issues.
In response to the UMC’s reforms, the Global Methodist Church was established earlier this year to uphold traditional Christian teachings. Its formation has since created tension between the two factions, particularly in regions with strong conservative adherence.
Calls for Peace
In a joint statement, local United Methodist bishops condemned the violence and urged restraint from all parties. “We are outraged that such an atrocity would occur among Christians, especially brothers and sisters who were once part of the same Methodist family,” the statement read. The bishops called for an immediate cessation of violence and warned against spreading misinformation that could further escalate tensions.
The Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church also released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss of life and calling for peace. “We mourn the loss of human life, decry the use of violence in any form, and call on both Global Methodists and United Methodists to serve as agents of peace,” it said, adding that investigations into the incident are underway.
Broader Implications
The tragedy underscores the challenges of navigating doctrinal differences within a global religious community, particularly in regions where societal norms and laws are sharply divided on issues of LGBTQ rights. It also highlights the potential for theological disputes to fuel broader conflicts, exacerbating existing tensions within communities.
As the UMC and GMC leadership work to address the fallout, calls for reconciliation and peaceful dialogue remain critical to preventing further violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for unity and understanding in resolving religious disputes.
