United Methodist Church Bishop debunks allegation of supporting LGBTQ

The United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), has described as false the allegations that the church permits same-sex marriage, ordination of gay priests, and other LGBTQ-related issues.

The newly elected Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN), episcopal Area, Ande Emmanuel, stated this during a thank you and familiarization visit to the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference which took place at the Samson Gwaladi memorial church, Filiya, in Shongom Local Area of Gombe state.

He said the UMCN is a biblical teaching Church that believes in the teachings of the Bible, explaining that the law of the church in the West Africa sub-region and the policies of the church in Nigeria do not support LGBTQ.

Bishop Ande Emmanuel called on the general public and the government of Nigeria to disregard such misinformation which is aimed at tarnishing the image of the church..

On the fictionalization of the church, Bishop Ande Emmanuel advised the breakaway members to focus on building their new denomination, promoting peace, and spreading the true message of Christ.
He also advised members of UMCN to remain calm, law abiding, and report any breach of peace to their leaders or security agencies.

While assuring the church of continued support to the government especially in promoting peace and progress of the nation, the bishop called on both the Federal and State governments to ensure the safety of its members and their property, claiming that the church has been under a series of attacks in recent time.

The clergy particularly commended Gombe state governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yaya for his developmental programs and promotion of peace in the state.

He said the provision of electricity to the Pero community and other social amenities to the area was worthy of praise.

In a sermon, Rev. Dr lsa Duna warned church leaders against pride and going against God’s instructions explaining that such acts attract God’s wrath and punishment.

He cited the cases of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and King Soul in the Bible who were finished and dethroned by God because of disobedience.

In a vote of thanks, the conference Associate to the Bishop, Reverend Absolom Jeremiah, described the coming of the new bishop as a positive development of the church, calling on members to support and pray for him and the church to succeed.

The occasion featured the first solemnization of holy matrimony by the new Bishop since his election and songs of praise.