Violence erupted among Methodists in Nigeria over a property dispute at Banyam Theological Seminary amidst changes in UMC doctrine. UMC supporters disrupted a GMC worship service, leading to physical confrontations and injuries. Conflicting statements from church leaders illuminate divisions, while calls for peace are made amid ongoing tensions and past violent incidents. The situation reflects deeper societal issues that complicate the conflict further.
Tensions among Methodists in Nigeria have escalated into violence following a significant change in the United Methodist Church (UMC) doctrine regarding marriage made during last year’s General Conference. The latest incident occurred on February 17 at the Banyam Theological Seminary, where a dispute over ownership of the seminary is currently being litigated in the Nigerian courts between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the UMC.
During a worship service organized by the GMC, attendees were violently confronted by individuals supporting the UMC. Bishop Scott Jones, who was present, reported that the UMC supporters disrupted the gathering, leading the GMC to relocate the conference to ensure peace. Unfortunately, the UMC supporters returned, armed and intent on engaging in property destruction and physical assaults directed at GMC members.
In the altercation, several individuals sustained injuries, necessitating intervention by the Nigerian Army to quell the violence. Bishop Jones recounted the chaotic events, indicating that UMC supporters armed with machetes and firearms invaded the seminary grounds, resulting in multiple casualties and damaged property. Efforts to maintain peace by relocating the conference proved inadequate against the ensuing aggression.
The United Methodist News Service briefly highlighted the escalating property dispute and accompanying violence. Conflicting accounts from both UMC Bishop Ande Emmanuel and the Global Methodist Church leadership emerged regarding the incident, underscoring the lack of unified narrative amid the turmoil. While Bishop Emmanuel labeled the incident an “altercation,” his initial statements did not condemn the violence outright, focusing instead on the property dispute.
In an evolving response, Bishop Emmanuel later condemned violence on all sides, while continuing to — somewhat indirectly — assign blame to GMC members for various incidents, including a violent occurrence in December that had previously claimed lives. In contrast, the GMC has issued multiple statements urging peace and denouncing violence. Amid these exchanges, a call for calm was reiterated by Bishop Jones during the annual conference.
Past violence, including a December incident that took the lives of three United Methodists and led to widespread property damage, illustrates the fraught nature of the dispute between the two Methodist factions. While both churches proclaim commitments to peace, incidents of violence continue to arise alongside underlying family disputes contributing to local tensions.
The situation reflects a broader issue prevalent in Nigeria, where longstanding grievances often manifest in violence. The GMC has taken steps to provide support for affected individuals while promoting peace across both factions. However, it is imperative for UMC leadership to express stronger condemnation of violence, ensuring a unified stance against aggression, particularly in light of recent events.
The violent confrontations among Methodists in Nigeria highlight deep-rooted tensions exacerbated by a pivotal doctrinal change within the United Methodist Church. The incidents at Banyam Theological Seminary underline the urgent need for peace and reconciliation, as both sides grapple with blame and accountability amidst conflicting narratives. Ultimately, fostering dialogue and understanding is vital to mitigating future violence and restoring calm within the community.
Original Source: juicyecumenism.com
