The United Methodist Church in Nigeria is moving forward, with major steps taken since the Dec. 7 election of Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel at the West Africa Central Conference.
Emmanuel, who has been active in leading The United Methodist Church in Nigeria forward as the assistant to the bishop since August 2024, began as resident bishop in Nigeria on Jan. 26. He said he is committed to unity and will lead to address the challenges that have arisen since the July 2024 departure of former leaders, who went on to form the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria.
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The interim leadership team of Bishop John Schol and Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa — appointed by the United Methodist Council of Bishops in July — had limited presence in Nigeria due to challenges raised by the Global Methodist Church with immigration authorities. Schol is based in the United States, and Nhiwatiwa is in Zimbabwe.
“I have begun work on our cardinal goals of uniting all United Methodists in Nigeria,” Emmanuel said. “I have held 25 listening and consultation sessions with key stakeholders across the five annual conferences. The purpose of these sessions is to seek unity and hear members’ concerns and how they want us to move forward. These listening sessions have so far been successful, and the majority have expressed willingness for the unity of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria.”
He said the church in Nigeria continues to thrive.
“Our church has remained steadfast and thriving, even in the face of challenges. By God’s grace, we continue to be the strongest in terms of population and congregational vitality, a testament to our unwavering faith and commitment.
“As we move forward, our focus will be on unity, reconciliation and capacity development, ensuring that we remain a beacon of hope and a source of transformation in our nation,” he said. “I urge all members to remain steadfast and not be distracted by those who attempt to embark on the mission impossible of destroying the church in Nigeria.
“Together, with God’s help, we will overcome every challenge and build a stronger, united church that fulfills its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Emmanuel said.
Schol explained that evangelism was crucial to church growth. “Nigeria is the sixth most populated nation in the world, and United Methodists are in urban, rural and emerging communities. The ability to connect with all of the cultures, tribes and population makes it possible to reach new generations of disciples of Jesus Christ.”
excerpt from a story by Eveline Chikwanah, correspondent for UM News based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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