Nigerian Church Exits UMC Over Stance On Same-sex Marriage

The Northern Nigeria division of the United Methodist Church (UMC), has voted to exit the church and join the Global Methodist Church.

The Northern UMC Methodist said the decision was made during a special session held on Thursday August 1, 2024 at UMCN Bachama, Tondolo District, Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State.

According to the communique of the conference issued in Gombe, the Northern UMC, the church said the exit followed recent resolutions of the General Conference of the church where it legalised regionalisation, same-sex marriage, and ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.

The church said delegates at the session unanimously voted to exit the UMC, stating that they could not be part of a church that “legalised sin” and “celebrates homosexuality.”

The communique noted however that homosexuality is not only unbiblical “but against our norms and culture.”

Delegates also expressed concerns over regionalisation, which they believe would lead to disharmony in the church due to ‘unbiblical’ theological persuasions and interpretations.