Violence has erupted among Methodists in Nigeria following a doctrinal change by the UMC, resulting in a February 17 incident at Banyam Theological Seminary. Members of the GMC faced physical attacks from UMC supporters during a conference, leading to injuries and military intervention. Conflicting accounts of responsibility have emerged, indicating a complex interplay of property disputes and longstanding communal tensions.
Tensions among Methodists in Nigeria have escalated following the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) change in teaching on marriage during last year’s General Conference, culminating in violence. The latest incident occurred on February 17 at Banyam Theological Seminary, a site of dispute between the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and UMC concerning ownership of church properties, with the matter currently pending in the Nigerian courts.
Bishop Scott Jones reported that GMC members were conducting a worship service when they were interrupted by UMC supporters. Subsequent efforts to relocate the conference failed when those individuals returned to the seminary armed, resulting in property damage and physical assaults on GMC members. This confrontation prompted the Nigerian Army’s intervention to restore order.
In a detailed account, Bishop Jones described the chaos during the annual conference stating that UMC supporters invaded the seminary, violated the grounds, and attacked GMC members, leading to multiple injuries. Specifically, a man suffered a severe head injury, while several others, including a presiding elder, required hospital treatment after sustaining cuts from machetes.
Conflicting narratives emerged from both sides regarding the incident. The United Methodist News Service acknowledged the attack amidst ongoing property disputes between the two factions. UMC Nigeria Bishop Ande Emmanuel referred to the altercation, placing blame on GMC members while also recognizing that both factions bore responsibility for the violence.
A separate attack in December 2022 had already strained relations, resulting in fatalities and property destruction. As both denominations navigate these tensions, the GMC has consistently called for peace, while the UMC has oscillated in its responses concerning accountability for these violent encounters.
The Christian Post noted that the conflicts may stem not only from denominational disputes but also from longstanding familial issues in Nigeria. Such complexities complicate the motivations behind violent incidents, making them challenging to analyze straightforwardly.
The recent violence among Methodists in Nigeria, particularly at Banyam Theological Seminary, reflects deepening divisions following changes in church doctrine. The disputes between the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church over property and authority have exacerbated tensions, leading to physical altercations. Both sides have issued statements condemning violence, yet clarity and commitment to peace remain essential as the court process unfolds.
Original Source: juicyecumenism.com
