06/06/2026
PASTORAL APPEAL FOR PEACE, RESTRAINT, AND RECONCILIATION
05/06/2026
May the grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied in your hearts and in your homes.
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart
that I have received reports of the renewed crisis affecting our brothers and sisters in Gaita, Didango, Yashi-Pena, and Karim Town all in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. These unfortunate events, which have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of properties, and the displacement of innocent families, are deeply painful and contrary to the will of God, who calls us to live in peace, love, and mutual understanding.
As a shepherd of the Global Methodist Church in this region, I mourn with those who mourn in this time of deep pain. I stand with you prayerfully asking God to bring comfort to the brokenhearted, healing to the wounded, and peace to our troubled communities.
As followers of Christ and members of one human family created in God’s image, we are called to cherish the sanctity of life, to comfort those who suffer, and to diligently pursue peace with all people.
No grievance can justify the shedding of innocent blood, and no conflict is truly resolved through violence or destruction. Rather, let us seek reconciliation, healing, and justice in the spirit of Christ, who is our Peace. As Scripture reminds us,
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
I earnestly call upon our traditional rulers, community leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and all people of goodwill to join hands in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence within our communities. At this critical moment, we must choose the path of peace over conflict, and unity over division. The ties that bind us together as neighbours, brothers and sisters, and fellow citizens are far greater and more enduring than the differences that seek to separate us. Let us therefore work collectively to heal wounds, restore trust, and build a future founded on justice, harmony, and respect for the dignity of every person.
I prayerfully appeal to the Government of Taraba State, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly and compassionately to restore peace and security in the affected communities. May every effort be made to protect lives, comfort the afflicted, support affected families, and foster sincere dialogue and reconciliation. As God's people, we long for a society where peace, justice, and human dignity prevail.
Let us continue to pray for peace and work together for a future where every community can live in harmony and safety.
May God comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect the vulnerable, and grant lasting peace to Gaita, Didango, Yashi Pena, Karim Town, and the entire Karim-Lamido Local Government Area.
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." — Romans 12:18
With pastoral concern and unwavering hope,
Dr. John Pena Auta
Presiding Bishop
Global Methodist Church
(C) Global Methodist Church Nigeria Media Team
