The Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), Ande I. Emmanuel, has extended an open invitation to former members who left the denomination, urging them to return following a recent Federal High Court ruling in favour of the church.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Jalingo, Taraba State, Emmanuel said the church’s leadership is willing to welcome back those who broke away, emphasising reconciliation in the wake of the legal victory.
The development follows a judgment delivered on March 30 by Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu, which nullified an attempt to deregister UMCN and replace it with a newly formed denomination, the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN).
The court ruled that the deregistration process, carried out through the Corporate Affairs Commission, failed to meet legal requirements.
Justice Egwuatu declared the move “null and void” and ordered a reversal of all actions taken to change the church’s name and board of trustees.
The court further stated that the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria does not legally exist, having not been properly registered in accordance with statutory provisions.
The legal dispute dates back to December 2024, when UMCN filed a lawsuit seeking to recover properties and assets allegedly taken by former leaders who had aligned with the breakaway group. The church also sought to prevent efforts to alter its legal identity.
Reacting to the ruling, Bishop Emmanuel described the judgment as a confirmation of truth and justice but cautioned against celebrating the outcome.
“This is not a moment of celebration, but a moment for healing,” he said, calling on members and the wider Christian community to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.
While reiterating his appeal to former members to return, the bishop noted that further steps remain, including enforcing the court’s orders and recovering church assets.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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