Church in Crisis: United Methodist Church of Nigeria Torn Apart by LGBTQ+ Policy

The United Methodist Church of Nigeria, located in Garki Area One, Abuja, has been sealed off by the Nigerian police following a violent confrontation that broke out within the church premises. The altercation, which led to significant damage to church property, including the altar and several chairs, involved members of the congregation and church management engaging in a physical fight.

The unrest reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between the Nigerian branch of the church and its global headquarters in the United States over recent policy changes. The U.S. headquarters of the United Methodist Church had introduced new rules allowing same-sex marriages and full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the church. However, these policies directly conflict with Nigerian laws, which criminalize homosexuality and do not recognize same-sex unions or marriages.

The leadership of the Nigerian branch, headed by its Bishop, strongly opposed the directive from the global headquarters. The Bishop argued that adopting such policies would not only violate Nigerian law but also go against the cultural and religious beliefs of the local congregation. As a result, he proposed that the Nigerian branch break away from its U.S. counterparts and rebrand as the “Global Methodist Church.” This rebranding, according to the Bishop, would allow the church to operate independently, upholding its stance against same-sex marriages and aligning more closely with Nigerian values and legal statutes.

The suggestion to sever ties and rename the church did not go over well with the United Methodist Church’s global headquarters. In response, the headquarters insisted that the Nigerian Bishop, who was reportedly due for retirement, step down immediately. Additionally, they decided to send a new Bishop from outside Nigeria to lead the congregation. This new leadership would be tasked with implementing the new policies, including welcoming LGBTQ+ members and officiating same-sex marriages in Nigeria, in line with the church’s global stance on inclusivity and equality.

The proposed changes, including the introduction of a new Bishop and the policy shift, further escalated tensions within the church, leading to open conflict. Congregants were sharply divided, with some supporting the Bishop’s stance against the headquarters’ directive, while others advocated for adherence to the global church’s policies. This division culminated in a physical altercation during a recent service, causing chaos and destruction within the sanctuary.

Due to the violent outbreak and the sensitive nature of the policy changes, which directly challenge Nigeria’s legal framework regarding homosexuality, the Nigerian police intervened. The church was subsequently shut down to prevent further violence and ensure compliance with local laws prohibiting homosexual activities and unions.

The closure of the United Methodist Church in Abuja has sparked a wider debate about the autonomy of religious organizations in Nigeria, the clash between global church policies and local laws, and the broader implications for religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law in the country. As the church remains closed and tensions simmer, the future of the United Methodist Church’s presence in Nigeria hangs in the balance, awaiting further developments and potential negotiations between the local church leadership and the U.S. headquarters.