The Southern Nigeria Annual Conference (SNAC) of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has reaffirmed its long-standing doctrinal position on human sexuality, describing it as a sacred gift that must be exercised with responsibility and discipline.
In a communiqué released to journalists in Taraba State on Wednesday, the Conference emphasised that marriage, according to its biblical interpretation, remains a covenant strictly between one man and one woman, both consenting adults.
The document further condemned all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, commercialisation, and violence, including the sexual exploitation of children.
Delegates urged the government to enact stronger protections for vulnerable populations and expand rehabilitation and counselling services for victims.
The communiqué, signed by Edison Edward Baraya, Rev. Esther Ibrahim, and Ifechukwu Daniel Jack, also commended Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for what it described as notable progress in curbing kidnapping and banditry across the state.
Despite these gains, the Conference expressed concern over continued violent attacks in Bandawa, Munga Dosso, Munga Lelaw, Shomo, Takum, and other communities.
It criticised what delegates called an inadequate federal response to worsening insecurity in northern regions and urged perpetrators of violence to repent “lest they provoke the righteous judgment of God.”
The document was also observed to have formed part of the official resolutions adopted during the 44th Session of the Conference, held from November 26–30, 2025.
Delegates approved significant structural changes, including the creation of a new Southern Nigeria Episcopal Area, which will consist solely of the current Southern Nigeria Annual Conference.
In addition, the Cameroon Mission District, North-East Nigeria, Central Nigeria, and Northern Nigeria Annual Conferences, along with the Senegal Mission District, will jointly constitute a new North-Central Nigeria Episcopal Area.
The Conference unanimously recommended Abuja as the headquarters for the proposed area and called on United Methodists nationwide and globally to pray for a smooth transition and sustained unity.
SNAC also praised the Southern Nigeria Boundary Demarcation Committee for its work in implementing the Restoration Resolution adopted at the West Africa Central Conference in Ghana, noting that the harmonisation of conference boundaries will enhance administrative efficiency and deepen unity.
Among other decisions, the Conference authorised the establishment of a Special Committee on Remarriage to draft updated guidelines for consideration in 2026. It also directed the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Resident Bishop to secure government-recognised licensing and certification for clergy, with upgrades where current qualifications fall short.
Addressing interdenominational tensions, the Conference issued a one-year directive, effective January 1, 2026, prohibiting pulpit exchanges and shared worship leadership between clergy and congregations of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN).
