Southern Nigeria Conference of the United Methodist Church Reaffirms Stance on Human Sexuality Doctrine

Table of Contents

1. Doctrinal Stance on Human Sexuality
2. Definition of Marriage
3. Condemnation of Abuse
4. Commendation of the Governor
5. Concerns About Violence
6. Federal Response to Insecurity
7. Structural Changes
8. Boundary Demarcation
9. Special Committee on Remarriage
10. Tensions with GMCN

The Southern Nigeria Annual Conference (SNAC) of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has reaffirmed its traditional doctrinal position on human sexuality, viewing it as a sacred divine gift that must be exercised with responsibility and moral discipline.

In a communiqué released in Taraba State on Wednesday, the Conference reiterated that marriage, based on its biblical interpretation, remains a covenant exclusively between one man and one woman, both of whom must be consenting adults.

The communiqué also denounced all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, commercialization, and violence, including the sexual abuse of children. It urged government authorities to enhance legal protections for vulnerable populations and to expand rehabilitation and counseling services for victims of sexual violence.

Signed by Edison Edward Baraya, Rev. Esther Ibrahim, and Ifechukwu Daniel Jack, the conference praised Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for what it termed significant progress in reducing kidnapping and banditry throughout the state.

However, it expressed concern regarding ongoing violent attacks in Bandawa, Munga Dosso, Munga Lelaw, Shomo, Takum, and other communities.

The conference also criticized what it described as an insufficient federal response to the rising insecurity in northern Nigeria and urged offenders to repent “lest they provoke the righteous judgment of God.”

This communiqué was part of the resolutions adopted during the 44th Session of the Conference, which also led to the church's approval of significant structural changes, including the establishment of a new Southern Nigeria Episcopal Area that will encompass only the current Southern Nigeria Annual Conference.

The conference unanimously agreed that the Cameroon Mission District, along with the North-East, Central, and Northern Nigeria Annual Conferences and the Senegal Mission District, should form a new North-Central Nigeria Episcopal Area.

In other decisions, the Conference commended the Southern Nigeria Boundary Demarcation Committee for implementing the Restoration Resolution adopted at the West Africa Central Conference in Ghana, noting that the harmonization of regional boundaries will enhance administrative effectiveness and strengthen unity within the church.

SNAC also approved the formation of a Special Committee on Remarriage to develop revised guidelines for consideration in 2026. Additionally, the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Resident Bishop were instructed to obtain government-recognized certification and licensing for clergy, upgrading existing credentials where necessary.

To address ongoing tensions between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN), the Conference issued a directive effective January 1, 2026, prohibiting pulpit exchanges and shared worship leadership between clergy and congregations of both denominations.

This policy may be reviewed at the 2026 Annual Conference as part of broader reconciliation efforts.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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