-Amid Rising Tensions in Nigeria
The United Methodist Church says it stands united in condemning the recent attacks and efforts to discredit, humiliate, and intimidate our bishops, including Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel of Nigeria, Bishop James Boyce Caulker of Sierra Leone, and Bishop Samuel J . Quire Jr, of Liberia, who have been carrying out peace and reconciliation missions in Nigeria.
The Church noted in a press statement: “These bishops have worked tirelessly to spread love, peace, and unity, addressing both the spiritual and practical needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, their efforts have been met with attacks, misinformation, and disinformation from those who seek to divide the Body of Christ and disrupt the peaceful work being done by the United Methodist
Church in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
It stressed, “We commend the Government of Nigeria for its timely and effective intervention in ensuring the safety of these bishops. However, we urge Nigerian authorities to continue their investigations into the origins of these attacks and the individuals responsible for spreading harmful lies and creating division among the faithful. However, we urge the Nigerian authorities to fully investigate these tragic events and bring to justice those responsible for spreading harmful lies and creating divisions within the Church.”
Bishop Emmanuel, Bishop Caulker, and Bishop Quire have all been working tirelessly to build bridges of peace, unity, and reconciliation, serving both the spiritual and practical needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Their work in Nigeria has been essential in fostering understanding and healing among communities within the church.
“The United Methodist Church in Liberia and other parts of our one world has always been committed to promoting peace, understanding, and reconciliation. We call on all Christians, both in Africa and around the world, to reject the rhetoric of division, misinformation, and disunity. Our mission remains to make disciples for Jesus Christ and to transform the world with love, kindness, and grace.”
The UMC emphasized, “We call on all United Methodists, both in Africa and around the world, to join us in condemning the wave of disinformation, deceit, scare tactics, and harassment that continues to be used against our bishops and church. These actions are unacceptable and must be rejected in the strongest possible terms. We remind all Christians that our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ and to transform the world through love, grace, and reconciliation.”
It can be recalled that in December 2024, clashes between members of The United Methodist Church of Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church in Munga Dosso, Taraba State, tragically led to the deaths of three United Methodists. This violence is a direct result of the ongoing division caused by disinformation and hostility from some factions within the Global Methodist Church. Our bishops, who have been steadfast in their mission to promote peace, reconciliation, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, have become targets of harassment, lies, and attempts at
intimidation.
Furthermore, the church noted, “We ask the Global Methodist Church and other groups engaged in this campaign of disunity to cease their divisive actions and respect the work of peace being carried out by the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and beyond. Let us come together in unity and focus on building the Kingdom of God, centered on love, compassion, and the unity of the Body of Christ.”
