Church accuses breakaway group of attempting to seize properties in Taraba

The United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) has raised concerns over attempts by a breakaway faction, the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), to take control of its legitimate properties.

The UMCN leadership warned of potential spiritual and social consequences if the GMCN’s attempts are successful. The UMCN also accused the GMCN of spreading misinformation, including the claim that the UMCN had changed its name.

According to the UMCN, a former bishop had refused to retire and established the GMCN to maintain power at the end of his tenure. Led by the UMCN Dean of the Cabinet, Reverend Eli Sule Yakku, the UMCN accused the breakaway group of falsely claiming that the UMCN had changed its name to the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.

Describing the claim as a deliberate attempt to seize church properties for the GMCN, Yakku said, “We have been patient and seeking a peaceful resolution, but the new denomination continues to disrupt us. We will not relinquish any of our properties to the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.”

Referring to the church governing document, “The Book of Discipline”, which states that all church properties are held in trust for the United Methodist Church, Yakku warned that any attempt by the GMCN to install its bishops in UMCN facilities could lead to unrest.

The UMCN also refuted rumours allegedly spread by the GMCN that it had embraced LGBTQ practices, affirming its opposition to such practices in line with African cultural values and Nigeria’s constitution.

Meanwhile, security forces have sealed off the UMCN headquarters in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, to prevent clashes between the two factions. The leadership of the breakaway faction could not be reached at press time. The Guardian learned that they were returning to Nigeria from San Jose, Costa Rica, where they had allegedly gone to elect an interim bishop to oversee the church’s affairs in Nigeria.

As tensions continue, the UMCN urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding. The leaders vowed to work around the clock to prevent the breakaway members from taking advantage of any of the church’s multi-billion-naira properties spread across the state.