Same-Sex Marriage Controversy Divides Century-Old Taraba Church

The United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN), a denomination with over 100 years of history, faces a deepening crisis as it grapples with internal conflict over the acceptance of same-sex marriage. The controversy has led to the resignation of its presiding bishop and further splintering of the congregation.

Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, who had been at the helm of UMCN, announced his resignation ahead of his scheduled retirement in September 2024. His departure marks a significant shift as he chooses to align with the Global Methodist Church (GMC), an international body formed after the 2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church in Charlotte, USA. The conference’s decision to approve homosexuality and same-sex marriage sparked a divide within the church, particularly in more conservative regions like Nigeria, where LGBTQ+ practices are illegal.

The Roots of the Division

The General Conference’s resolutions in May included several progressive stances, such as removing language that labeled homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teachings and lifting bans on ordaining and appointing openly gay clergy. These resolutions clashed with the beliefs of many UMCN members, leading to mounting tensions. Bishop Yohanna emphasized that the legal acceptance of homosexuality was the final straw, compelling him and many others in the Nigerian congregation to break away.

“In Nigeria, our laws clearly do not support homosexuality,” Yohanna stated in an interview. “As Christians here, we cannot continue to remain in a church that promotes it. Our beliefs and the laws of our country must take precedence.”

International Tensions and Deportations

Yohanna’s departure has also been embroiled in controversy following the deportation of two bishops, John Scholl from the US and Eben Nhiwatiwa from Zimbabwe, who were reportedly involved in overseeing the election of Yohanna’s successor. Yohanna denied involvement in their deportations, stating that immigration authorities, not the church, were responsible for the bishops’ removal from Nigeria.

Impact of the Controversy

The fallout from the controversy has prompted the Taraba State Government to intervene. The state has placed a ban on worship at all UMCN and GMC-affiliated churches in an effort to prevent escalating tensions from disrupting public order. A government directive called for the removal of all Global Methodist Church signage until the crisis is resolved.

This latest controversy adds to a long history of internal struggles within UMCN, which has faced ethnic and leadership disputes over the years. Now, the issue of same-sex marriage has pushed the church to a breaking point, threatening its unity and leading to deeper fragmentation.

Calls for Peace Amid the Conflict

Despite the turmoil, Yohanna has called on church members to remain calm and seek peace. “I am not considering any legal action against those who accuse me of contributing to this crisis,” he said. “I trust that God is the ultimate judge.”

The crisis continues to divide opinions within the church. While Yohanna and others argue that the church’s international leadership is forcing LGBTQ+ practices onto regions where it is not accepted, other members, like journalist Salisu Waziri, argue that the policy of regionalization is intended to provide flexibility for countries like Nigeria. Regionalization, he claims, allows nations to uphold their own laws and traditions while remaining part of the global church.

A Long History of Struggles

The UMCN’s difficulties stretch beyond the same-sex marriage debate. The church has been plagued by ethnic and leadership battles for decades, with the crisis in Taraba being the most recent manifestation. As different factions vie for influence, the church has increasingly looked to international actors, particularly from the US, for financial and political support. This international dimension has further complicated efforts to resolve internal conflicts, leading to accusations that foreign influence is exacerbating the church’s woes.

With no clear resolution in sight, the fate of UMCN remains uncertain as the global debate over LGBTQ+ rights continues to impact religious institutions around the world. For now, both the local church and its international counterparts are left grappling with the consequences of this ongoing controversy.