Community uproar as United Methodist Church in Gombe pushes forward with advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, sparking widespread protests.

In Gombe State, a fervent protest unfolded as hundreds of United Methodist Church (UMC) members gathered during the Northern and Central Nigeria Annual Conferences in Gondum village, Shongom.

They marched with placards vehemently rejecting LGBTQ rights and advocating against regional autonomy, underscoring deep divisions within the church.

Resident Bishop Yohana Wesley of Nigeria’s UMC publicly disowned the dissenting faction for their refusal to adhere to established church procedures. Chipau Kiliyobas, Director of Connectional Ministry for the Northern Nigeria UMC Annual Conference, identified the dispute over LGBTQ rights and regional autonomy as the core issues driving the schism.

This protest reflects broader global debates within the United Methodist Church on these contentious topics. The traditionalist majority within the church views LGBTQ practices as incompatible with their religious teachings.

Efforts to reconcile the factions by Bishop John Schol, representing the Council of Bishops from the United States, were met with resistance from the protesters.

Despite assurances that regional decisions on same-sex marriage would be respected independently, the demonstrators remained steadfast in their opposition to any form of LGBTQ recognition within their church community.