The Joint Session of the Five Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Nigeria Episcopal Area has urged its members to participate peacefully and responsibly in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the joint session and made available to journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State, at the weekend.
The conference encouraged voter education, rejection of electoral malpractice, and sustained prayers for credible elections, while maintaining a non-partisan stance. Political leaders were also urged to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability in governance.
Reaffirming its commitment to biblical teachings, church unity, national peace, and responsible citizenship, the conferences expressed strong support for African bishops of the United Methodist Church, particularly on issues of human sexuality, marriage, and family life.
The communiqué affirmed marriage as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, describing the position as biblically grounded and culturally relevant. It commended African church leaders for providing moral clarity and safeguarding the unity and integrity of the Church across the continent.
The document was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Joint Session, Rev. Abainitus A. Hamman, and the Secretary, Rev. Salisu Waziri, and endorsed by conference secretaries and presiding bishops, including Bishops Ande I. Emmanuel, Samuel J. Quire, and James Boye Caulker.
The conferences also raised concerns over terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminal violence in Nigeria, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities.
Highlighting the humanitarian consequences of the violence, they called on government authorities to take decisive action to protect lives and property.
The Church further urged the global Christian community to continue praying for and supporting victims and displaced families, while emphasizing unity in times of trial and calling on churches and denominations to resist division and strengthen cooperation.
Stressing love, forgiveness, and collective prayer as essential values for sustaining the Body of Christ locally and globally, the conferences acknowledged internal and global challenges within the United Methodist family.
While pledging to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful conflict resolution, the Church urged leaders to guide congregations with humility and prayerful discernment.
Reaffirming the Church’s prophetic role in speaking against corruption, injustice, and moral decline, members were encouraged to model Christ-like character, engage in community development, and promote justice and accountability in governance.
The communiqué also called for respectful interfaith collaboration and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
On church growth, the conferences urged renewed commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and mission outreach, with emphasis on strengthening youth and children’s ministries, Bible study groups, and community-based development initiatives.
In a significant move toward lasting peace and unity, church leaders signed a Deed of Reconciliation to unite the Nigeria Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, the Southern Conference, and four Annual Conferences – Southern Nigeria, Central Nigeria, Northeast Nigeria, and Northern Nigeria.
