Sept. 16, 2024 (UM News)
Key points
- The United Methodist Church in Nigeria has experienced two decades of conflict caused by tribalism and power struggles.
- The recent change in leadership signals the potential for reconciliation and a return to peace and unity.
- Leaders with three factions in the Nigerian church are speaking in support of setting aside differences and returning to healthy relationships.
The United Methodist Church of Nigeria is emerging from two decades of schism resulting from tribalism and power tussles.
During those two decades, the peace, progress and healthy ubuntu – recognizing the humanity of one another – that were enjoyed by the community disappeared, leaving the church in stagnation, pain, regret and backwardness in development. We lost members to Pentecostal churches and faced unhealthy relationships among our own church members.
The recent resignation of the bishop and his loyalists, along with the Council of Bishops’ appointment of a team to lead the Nigeria Episcopal Area, signals the long-awaited remedy for decades of pain and frustration. Peace, unity and reconciliation can return to the church after a very long absence.
The Rev. Dr. Eunice Illiya
Courtesy Photo
During the years of conflict, there were several factions. The first faction disassociated itself from the leadership of the church for about 12 years due to lack of trust in the episcopal leader, including a rejection of the nomination process that led to his election.
The second faction disassociated itself from the leadership due to unjust treatment of pastors and conference staff, along with what it viewed as maladministration.
The third faction comprised those who stayed loyal to the church, despite the problems.
Both of the first two factions were running parallel leadership, with people performing the activities of the bishop even when they knew it to be against the discipline of the church. The church became lawless, with members taking the law into their hands even if they went against the Book of Discipline, without being afraid or remorseful.
Unity can lead to a more inclusive and equitable church. Peace refers to the absence of conflict or violence. It is a vital component of progress and development. Due to lack of peace and unity, members were unable to focus on building a better future church as they were constantly preoccupied with conflicts.
Now Nigerians are advocating for unity and peace, and church members are tired of conflict, rancor and fighting over leadership. Voices can be heard in every corner and from all factions praying and asking for peace and unity.
For example, this is what the Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, the leader of the first faction, has to stay: “Let us be the children of light (and) be calm, and we should not destroy our church further but look forward to a hopeful future.” All United Methodists should put their differences aside in order to work toward peace and unity, he added.
Evangelist Joel Gilenya added that “if there is any blessing we ever yearn for, (it) is the need for peace and unity amongst us. Living in peace and unity is the only panacea for God’s blessings towards humanity because where there is no harmonious living, the society is doomed physically and spiritually.
“For the sake of ourselves and children yet unborn, let us keep our differences aside and work towards peaceful coexistence and healthy relationship,” he said. The church has been through a lot of crises that have pulled it backward for many years, he said.
A voice from the second faction, Mrs. Saroustina Philip Johnson, said, “When the atmosphere is peaceful and people united, there will be development. Therefore, let there be peace, love and reconciliation amidst us so that God will heal our church.”
The third faction includes those loyal to the authority of the church regardless of prejudices and injustice, reflecting their obedience to God and the church’s Book of Discipline.
“We yearn for God’s glory, love, justice and respect for the church authority,” said the Rev. Dr. Rhoda Manzo. “Let diversity be seen as strength not division. Therefore, we look forward to a better, unified, reconciled and spirit-flowing church.
“We believe and are hopeful that with the coming of the interim bishop and the episcopal team, the Holy Spirit will guide and lead them to the direction that peace and unity will be achieved.”
The Rev. Dr. Eunice Iliya is a district superintendent for The United Methodist Church of Nigeria.