Dear United Methodists of Nigeria, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. This is to update you on the next steps as we move forward as The United Methodist Church, including special annual conference sessions.
Food Shortages
The Episcopal Team, District Superintendents and I give thanks to God for your faith and commitment to serve Jesus Christ. We are aware of the lack of rain, and the lack of food high prices for petrol. We are raising funds to assist with food to the communities of our United Methodist Churches.
Special Annual Conference Sessions
We have appointed District Superintendents who will be meeting with clergy to better understand the concerns across the church and how we can support you.
Regretfully, the Special Sessions have not been presided by the Bishop. These sessions are very important to help The United Methodist Church of Nigeria to learn more about our Path Forward, and elect leadership. The most recent meetings conducted by former Bishop Yohanna did not meet our Book of Discipline standards for a Special Session. First, they were not held in the location advertised, which meant that many delegates were not present, and the business included matters that were outside the called session and votes were taken that annual conferences do not have the authority to make on their own. Therefore, the sessions are ruled out of order and all decisions are nullified by our Book of Discipline.
Many delegates did gather at proper locations but there was no bishop to preside. While a chair pro-tempore was elected to preside, we will need to ensure these votes are ratified with a bishop present. Additionally, there are other items that must be attended. Therefore, I will preside along with Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa at four Special Session that will be held in each of the four conferences. The Purpose of the Special Sessions are to:
- Learn about the Path Forward Covenant and how laity and clergy from across Nigeria will help shape the future of United Methodism.
- Ratify or, where appropriate, elect new conference leadership.
- Introduce and bless new District Superintendents.
- Affirm that congregations, clergy, and conference leaders must by church law and Nigeria law must follow Nigeria law concerning homosexuality/LGBTQ.
- Here an update on the state of the conferences and the legal and ethical matters related to congregation property, conference property and episcopal area property related to the resignation of the former bishop and most cabinet members.
- Nominate candidates for the election of Bishop for the December Central Conference where a new Bishop will be elected to service The United Methodist Church of Nigeria.
The Special Sessions will be held on the following dates, times and locations. Each session will begin with worship.
August 23 – Friday – 10:00 a.m. Yola – Northeast Nigeria Special Annual Conference Session
August 24 – Saturday – 10:00 a.m. Yola – South Nigeria Special Annual Conference
August 25 – Sunday – 10:00 a.m. Gombe – Central Nigeria Special Annual Conference Session
August 26 – Monday – 10:00 a.m. Gombe – North Nigeria Special Annual Conference Session
Specific locations and additional procedures will be announced at the beginning of next week.
The delegates and visitors are welcome to the sessions. Delegates will be seated first. Clergy and Lay Delegates will gather by District and once the District is gathered, they will be seated starting at 9:15 a.m. Once all delegates are seated, guest may be seated as room permits. We expect that we will gather peacefully and in unity. During my last visit I found the delegates gathered in peace and unity but leaders who left the denomination created disruption and division. Any disruption or conflict will be addressed immediately as security will be present. Delegates are encouraged not to engage with any disrupters but to pray and sing peacefully anytime anyone may try to disrupt the movement of God among us. God will provide for us to conduct our important work as we move forward as The United Methodist Church.
Delegates include all United Methodist Clergy of Nigeria and all elected lay persons representing their congregation. Each congregation is entitled to one lay person per appointed clergy to the church. Visitors may include former United Methodist Clergy who resigned from The United Methodist Church of Nigeria. You are welcome to join us for worship and to listen but not disrupt the proceedings. Visitors also include non-delegate members from congregations.
Below are questions from laity and clergy from all four conferences and responses. Your questions are important and as you have questions, please share them with your District Superintendent so that the team can review and answer your questions.
The United Methodists of Nigeria have been through a number of challenges. Your faith has led and guided you along the way. The Path Forward Covenant will assist with addressing these and providing tools to work through issues in the future. God has a great future for us and as we work together, God will bless our church and ministries.
In Christ,
