Pray for the Global Methodist Church and United Methodist Church in Parts of Africa

Over the last several months, violence and death have broken out in a few places on the continent of Africa. The conflict, on the surface, appears to be between members of the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church. However, it is important to note the role that ancestral, tribal, and political tensions, which existed before the breakup of the United Methodist Church, played in the conflict. The fact that churches in Africa were not allowed to disaffiliate from the United
Methodist Church in the wake of the UMC’s failure of governance has left parts of the church in Africa in a state of dissonance. The conflict in the church has unfortunately served as a trigger to violence based more on deeper issues that preexisted the breakup of the denomination.

Here is a public statement from the Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church on this matter:

We are deeply grieved to learn from Bishop Scott Jones, who is currently in Nigeria, that violence has once again erupted. We recognize that conflicting reports are circulating and share the following account as reported by Bishop Jones, who was present.

On February 17, during the opening worship service at Banyam Theological Seminary, a group of individuals supportive of the United Methodist Church disrupted the gathering. In an effort to maintain peace, the conference was relocated. Today, these same individuals, expecting to find our bishops and conference members gathered, returned to Banyam Seminary armed, engaging in destruction of property and physical attacks on members of the Global Methodist Church.

We give thanks to God that, while injuries were sustained, there was no loss of life. Bishop John Pena Auta was able to seek assistance from the Nigerian army, which intervened to disperse the attackers.

Bishop Jones has assured us that he, Bishop Auta, and those traveling with them are unharmed and safe.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and reiterate that such actions have no place within the Body of Christ. We call upon the leadership of the United Methodist Church to publicly denounce these attacks and urge all parties to seek peace and reconciliation.

We ask all people of faith to join us in prayer for God’s protection, provision, and peace for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.

Assembly of Bishops

Global Methodist Church