Hundreds of members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Gombe State have protested against a factional group accused of promoting LGBTQ rights and regionalization.
The members made the bold stance against the recognition of LGBTQ rights during a protest that took place at the Northern and Central Nigeria Annual Conferences in Gondum village, Shongom local government area of Gombe State.
Protesters, carrying placards rejecting LGBTQ and regionalization, stated their commitment to a unified church and their opposition to what they deem as “unholy acts.”
Yohana Wesley, Resident Bishop of the Nigeria UMC, stated that the factional group’s refusal to adhere to established procedures led to the decision to disown them.
Chipau Kiliyobas, Director of Connectional Ministry of Northern Nigeria UMC Annual Conference, noted that the disagreement over regionalization and LGBTQ issues was the root of the contention between the two groups.
Bishop John Schol, representing the Council of Bishops from the United States, attempted to reconcile the factions and unify all church members.
However, his remarks were met with resistance from the protesters.
Schol clarified that regional decisions on same-sex marriage would be respected, with no imposition from the global church, but the protesters remained steadfast in their opposition to LGBTQ recognition.
The traditional and majority group in the church deem LGBTQ acts as unholy, and their protest stated their strong stance against any recognition of such rights within the church community.
