The newly elected Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN), Bishop Emmanuel Ande, has called on Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to lift the seal on church properties in the state.
Some of these properties were closed by the state government following disputes within the church.
Addressing a crowd of church members at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) secretariat in Taraba, Bishop Ande made a heartfelt plea for the government to unseal the facilities.
He emphasized that reopening the church buildings would allow the congregation to gather for worship, especially as Christmas approaches.
“We want to celebrate Christmas in our worship centers,” the bishop said, stressing that the church should not be prevented from observing this important season in their sacred spaces.
Bishop Ande, who had just returned from the church’s recent elections in Ghana, expressed hope that the governor would give urgent attention to the matter.
“The closure of our properties has affected our ability to worship freely. We hope that with this plea, the governor will act swiftly to reopen these churches,” he added.
The bishop also reaffirmed the church’s commitment to biblical principles, Nigerian law, and the church’s constitution, calling for unity and reconciliation within the UMCN.
The church has been embroiled in a prolonged crisis lasting two decades, and Bishop Ande’s emergence as the new leader has sparked hope for resolution.
He took the opportunity to address the misinformation surrounding the church, particularly the allegations of support for same-sex marriage and homosexuality.
“These are baseless accusations,” Bishop Ande clarified. “The United Methodist Church in Nigeria remains firmly rooted in its spiritual and legal foundations.”
The bishop’s message was clear: the church should focus on healing divisions and strengthening its mission, rather than dwelling on conflicts.
Bishop Ande also extended an olive branch to members who had aligned themselves with the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC).
“I urge you to return to the UMCN,” he said. “A church cannot be built on conflict or by seizing another’s property. Let us work together for peace and collaboration.”
Supporting the bishop’s call for unity, Reverend Eli Yakku, one of the candidates in the recent election, echoed the sentiment.
He called on all members of the church to accept Bishop Ande as the spiritual leader and to put aside their differences for the good of the church.
“We must work towards healing the divisions within our church,” Reverend Yakku said, emphasizing that unity was the key to the church’s progress.
Church members, many of whom had witnessed the church’s struggles over the years, have expressed optimism that the election of Bishop Ande will bring an end to the internal disputes.
Some congregants who spoke with our correspondent said the bishop’s victory in the election marked the beginning of a new chapter for the UMCN.
“His election has put an end to the wrangling that has plagued our church for so long,” one church member said. “Now, we hope the government will do the right thing and unseal the church properties.”
The church’s facilities were sealed amid a dispute that involved both legal and spiritual challenges. The closure has prevented congregants from using the buildings for worship and other religious activities.
With the Christmas season fast approaching, the bishop’s call to the governor is seen as an urgent request for the reopening of these sacred spaces.
Bishop Ande’s election was the culmination of a closely contested election that involved three candidates.
His victory was seen as a crucial moment in the church’s history, offering the potential for healing and unity after years of division.
The church, which has a significant presence in Taraba and other parts of Nigeria, has been a pillar of support for many communities. The ongoing dispute over property closures has cast a shadow over the church’s work in the region.
However, Bishop Ande’s leadership promises a fresh start, with a focus on peace and collaboration among church members.
Church leaders, including Reverend Yakku, have expressed confidence that the bishop’s leadership will bring stability to the church and help to restore the faith of congregants.
Bishop Ande’s message of unity and reconciliation has resonated with many within the UMCN, who are eager to move past the divisions of the past.
