03/12/2023
United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area held Annual Conference Amidst Centenary Celebration
The United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area concludes the 2023 Annual Conference Session amidst a robust centenary celebration of the 100 years of mission work that gave birth to the UMC in Nigeria December 1923 – December 2023.
The sessions of the four Annual Conference was held at the United Methodist Church Negatavah, Jalingo November 29th to December 3rd in line with the Grand-Gassam Just Resolutions. About 782 out of 988 duly elected Annual Conference delegates in Nigeria convened at the United Methodist Negatavah for the business of the annual conference.
However the supposed presiding officer Bishop John Wesley Yohanna who has alighned himself with the Global Methodist Church was absent and there was no any written communication from him as regarding the reason for his absence The Conference Secretaries, Rev. Ande I. Emmanuel and Rev. Nuhu Haruna informed the delegates about the bishop’s absence which led Rev. Jesse Ignatius a clergy delegate from Jalingo District to move a motion that the conference continue under the provisions of the Book of Discipline paragraph 603.6 under President pro tempore. This motion was second and the delegates voted by ballot without debate to elected Rev. Alison Idi Karim as president pro tempore.
Rev. Alison Idi Karim, an elder in full connection with the North East Nigeria Annual Conference declares the conference open. In his address to the conference Rev. Idi said “It is unfortunate that Bishop John Wesley Yohanna has abandoned the United Methodist Church that elected him Bishop and aligned himself with the new Breakaway Global Methodist Church. However, I want to tell everyone of you here that the United Methodist Church is a vibrant church and will continue to be so in Nigeria. I call on you not be distracted but focused on the business of the conference in order to secure the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.” Rev. Idi congratulated the United Methodist Church in Nigeria for the Centenary Celebration of the 100 years of mission that gave birth to the church in Nigeria. He called on members of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria to look toward unity, peace and reconciliation in casting vision for the future of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
In his respond, the lay leader of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference who spoke on behalf of other lay leaders said “we should not be worried about the dissaffiliation going on in United States and other parts of Europe and adopted by few in Nigeria instead we should focus on Christ as the author and finisher of our faith.” Mr. Godwin congratulates the United Methodist Church in Nigeria for the Centenary Celebration and admonished members of the church in Nigeria to Reclaim, Revive and Renew the United Methodist Church in Nigeria
In his sermon at opening worship of the Annual Conference session, Rev. Eli S. Yakku the District Superintendents of Fan District said
“As we gather in reflection and celebration of a century of faith, let us embrace the essence of our journey—reclaiming the spirit that binds us, reviving the fervor within our hearts, and renewing our commitment to the mission entrusted to us by our Creator.”
Earlier on before the Annual Conference begin thousands of United Methodists gather in Bambur and Filiya to celebrate the 100 years of missionary work that gave birth to the United Methodist Church in Nigeria. In a 100 anniversary service which was held at the Rev. Aliyu Baraya Memorial First United Methodist Church a history of missionaries activities was read and an award presented to person who have played notable roles I the development of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
In her address at the service in Bambur, the Conference Administrative Assistant Rev. Gloria Iliya Dogara said:
“In the tapestry of time, threads of challenges and triumphs have woven together to shape the United Methodist Church. Today, we stand at the crossroads of history, echoing the call to reclaim our roots. Let us return to the core principles that define us, rekindling the flame of Wesleyan grace and embracing the love that unites us all. To revive is to breathe life anew into our congregation. Let us invigorate our worship, infusing it with the energy of passionate devotion. May our actions and intentions revive the sense of community, creating a vibrant tapestry that mirrors God's diverse creation.”
In same vain at the memorial service held at the Samson Gwaladi Memorial Cathedral Filiya, Rev. Absolom Jeremiah the Conference Administrative Assistant for Northern Nigeria Annual Conference said:
“As we reach this significant milestone, let the spirit of renewal guide our footsteps into the future. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, let us shed the weight of the past, emerging stronger and more resilient. Through renewal, we embark on a journey of transformation, embracing the challenges that lie ahead with unwavering faith.”
Also in his good will message during the Centenary service held at the United Methodist Negatavah, Rev. Musa lana the Conference Administrative Assistant for Southern Nigeria Annual Conference said:
“In this centenary moment, let us pledge to reclaim the essence of our faith, revive the spirit of our congregation, and renew our commitment to God's work in the world. As we move forward, may the United Methodist Church be a beacon of light, illuminating the path of love, justice, and grace for generations to come.”
Notable traditional rulers and top government functionaries sent their good will Messages for the conference meeting and the centenary celebration.
The conference came to an end today with a 23 items Resolutions and a communique. Notable among the Resolutions taken at the conference were a unambiguous votes endorsing the regionalisation Plan as submitted by the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, endorsement of the Lubumbashi statement of the Africa Colleges of Bishops and the delegates voted in favour of remaining in the United Methodist Church irrespective of the outcome of the next General Conference. Attached is the copy of the Resolutions and communique.
