From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe Effort to reconcile the United Methodist Church in Nigeria with factional groups over alleged heres...
From Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe
Effort to reconcile the United Methodist Church in Nigeria with factional groups over alleged heresy has failed as due process was not followed.
Speaking to news men Mr. Yohana Wesley Resident Bishop of the Nigeria UMC in Gondum village of Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe state during the call session for Northern and Central Nigeria Anual confrences, said over the years the council of Bishops has seen rancour and vision.
Wesley said the council of Bishop United States had sent a representative, Bishop John Schol to come and reconcile the factional groups.
He said some were people operating a parallel structure against the leadership of the United Methodist Church which he presides and because of their action UMC in Nigeria ruled that they were not part of the church.
" They are not recognised as members, and they have no any function as far as UMCN is concerned," he said.
He said the coming of Bishop John Schol was to see whether they can bring them back, but the district's supretendant said no because they have procedure in their book of discipline" The factional group have exited the church for over three years," he explained.
On the position of same-sex marriage, the Bishop has reiterated the position of the church which described the act as unholy.
Mr,John Schol UMCN Bishop from the council of Bishop United States said the aim of his visit was to create peace and unity so that the gospel of Jesus Christ can move forward " I have seen the deep passion and conviction of the people of Nigeria and by working together and being unified, we can do a great work in Nigeria.
“ In terms of gay marriage in UMCN,each region will make it's own decision about that, there will be no imposition .
“We will continue to work together to ensure unity and peace, the position of Nigeria about LGBT is clear, and they are allowed to operate according to Nigeria's constitution,” he said.
Mr.Chipau Kiliyobas Director of Connectional Ministry of Northern Nigeria UMC annual conference said they were factions, the first one broke away 12 years ago following the election of Bishop Wesley Yohana because they refused to align with his administration.
He alleged that the second faction left the church because they were supporting regionalization which is LGBT in disguise.
According to him, the first and the second faction formed an alliance to fight other pastors who are not supporting regionalization.
He said introduction of LGBT has been in the church since 1972 which climaxed this year when the UMC's General confrence in America voted to remove the ban on LGBT.
He further said the church in America also adopted regionalisation plan,which allows different region to decide on issues.
Our correspondent reports that a massive crowd were seen carrying placards with " We say No to LGTB, John Schol we reject your ideas, One Bible, one God no to regionalization" boldy written on them.
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