The United Methodist Church (UMC) has clarified that hundreds of congregations in Nigeria will remain with the denomination, despite its recent decision to allow the blessing of same-sex unions. Conflicting reports had suggested that the UMC Nigerian Episcopal Area, comprising 560,000 members, had voted to leave the denomination.
A letter by Bishop John Schol, a member of the UMC’s interim leadership team for the regional body, denied claims that West African nation’s four conferences had decided to disaffiliate from the UMC and join the Global Methodist Church.
Schol emphasized that no official conference sessions were held, and the majority of delegates were not invited to the purported gatherings. He stated that only some leaders of the Nigeria Episcopal Area had chosen to leave the UMC, while several hundred congregations and clergy have affirmed their commitment to remain.
Bishop Schol urged all United Methodists, including those who have decided to leave the Church, to follow the example of Jesus Christ in seeking peace and reconciliation. He further noted that any actions contrary to this message could harm the Church’s Christian witness.
