Deadly violence in Nigeria linked to breakup of United Methodist Church over LGBTQ policies
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A deadly religious conflict has erupted in Nigeria, following tensions between factions of the United Methodist Church (UMC) over differing views on LGBTQ issues. The violence, which occurred on Sunday in Taraba, a state in northeastern Nigeria, led to the death of a UMC member and two children, aged 2 and 4, who were killed when their home was set on fire. The violence is linked to a schism in the church that stems from disagreements over the UMC’s stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
The schism began earlier this year after the UMC voted to repeal its long-standing bans on LGBTQ ordination and same-sex marriage at its general conference in May. This decision caused a division within the church, with many conservative factions breaking away to form the Global Methodist Church (GMC), which rejects these reforms. The GMC, created by churches that left the UMC, held its inaugural general conference earlier this year and has since become a significant global religious body, especially in the United States.
The violence in Nigeria arose from tensions between these two factions, with a United Methodist church member shot and killed in a confrontation between the opposing groups. The attack also led to the destruction of homes, including the home of the overseer of a UMC school and nursery, where the two children tragically lost their lives. Ten other church members were reportedly injured in the violence.
The schism’s impact has been particularly pronounced in Nigeria, where the West Africa Central Conference of the UMC, which oversees Nigeria and several other countries, has maintained a strict stance on LGBTQ issues. The conference restricts marriage to between a man and a woman and enforces adherence to national laws on LGBTQ issues, which contrasts sharply with the UMC’s recent decisions. The UMC’s decision to allow individual conferences to set their own standards further deepened the divide.
The bishops of the UMC in Nigeria have condemned the violence, calling it an “atrocity” and expressing their outrage that such acts could occur among Christians, particularly those who were once part of the same Methodist family. In a joint statement, they urged both factions to cease the violence and refrain from spreading misinformation that could further incite fear and hatred.
The Global Methodist Church has also responded to the killings, with its Assembly of Bishops issuing a statement expressing grief over the loss of life and condemning the use of violence. The GMC emphasized the need for both Global Methodists and United Methodists to act as agents of peace in the face of such violence.
The conflict in Nigeria highlights the ongoing global division within the Methodist church over LGBTQ inclusion. While the UMC has taken steps to include LGBTQ individuals within its ranks, including allowing same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, conservative factions have rejected these changes, creating a deep and sometimes violent rift within the global Methodist community. The schism is not only a religious divide but has also sparked political and social tensions, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where LGBTQ issues are highly contentious and often illegal under national law.
As the situation in Nigeria continues to unfold, religious leaders on both sides of the divide are calling for peace, dialogue, and a cessation of violence. The tragedy in Taraba serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that religious and ideological divisions can have, particularly when they intersect with deeply held cultural and political beliefs. With tensions continuing to rise, it remains to be seen how both the UMC and GMC will navigate the complex challenges posed by this schism, and whether they can find a way to heal the rift without further bloodshed.
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