Bishop John Wesley Yohanna of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has suggested that the church may split from the denomination due to differences on the ordination of LGBTQ people and same-sex marriage. This comes after a recent schism in the U.S. church over similar disputes. The question now is whether the church can prevent a similar outcome in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa where the majority of its members reside.
Bishop John Wesley Yohanna of the United Methodist Church delivers a message to church members Dec. 10, 2023, at the church's headquarters in Jalingo, Nigeria, during a celebration of 100 years of Methodism in the country. The bishop invited the congregation to remember the early missionaries and the sacrifices they made. But separately, he has said the Nigeria church may split from the denomination over differences on ordination of LGBTQ people and same-sex marriage . of its U.S.
But Jefferson Knight, also a delegate from Liberia, opposes disaffiliation. He said a schism would amount to forsaking the rich spiritual legacy of the UMC in Africa and would severe its valuable international bonds. Today, members from four continents vote at legislative gatherings, serve on boards together, go on mission trips to each others’ countries and are largely governed by the same rules. U.S. churches help fund international ministries, such as Africa University in Zimbabwe.
Opponents say overseas churches already can disaffiliate under church rules – and some conferences in Eastern Europe have taken such steps. But proponents say the process is too cumbersome. That year, “the traditionalists won the vote but they lost the church” said the Rev. Mark Holland, executive director of Mainstream UMC, which advocates for lifting the church-wide bans and for a “regionalization” proposal allowing each region to decide on such rules.by electing more progressive delegates to the upcoming General Conference.
Nigerian Methodist Church Split LGBTQ Ordination Same-Sex Marriage Schism United Methodists Africa
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