Nigerian Church Exits UMC Over Stance on Same-Sex Marriage

The Northern Nigeria division of the United Methodist Church (UMC) has voted to leave the denomination and affiliate with the Global Methodist Church. This decision came during a special session held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at UMCN Bachama, Tondolo District, in the Karim-Lamido local government area of Taraba State.

In a communiqué issued in Gombe, the Northern UMC explained that their departure was in response to recent resolutions passed by the UMC General Conference. These resolutions included the legalization of regionalization, same-sex marriage, and the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.

Delegates at the session unanimously supported the decision to exit the UMC, expressing that they could not remain part of a church that, in their view, “legalized sin” and “celebrates homosexuality.” The communiqué emphasized that homosexuality is not only unbiblical but also contrary to their cultural norms and values.