The Nigerian UMC & the Danger and Power of Our Words

When former Bishop John-Wesley Yohanna of Nigeria Episcopal Area resigned last week amidst a flare of acrimony against The United Methodist Church, he did so in a way that exposed Nigerian United Methodists – especially those who are LGBTQ+ – to even more harm.

The United Methodist Church of Nigeria is a diverse body of individuals with varying theologies and identities. Even so, former Bishop Yohanna’s parting words signal to a wider audience that Nigerians who choose to remain United Methodist are all queer- and trans-affirming, if not LGBTQ+ themselves.

Former Bishop Yohanna’s words have endangered thousands of Nigerian United Methodists in a nation where it’s illegal to be LGBTQ+. Since the 2024 General Conference, anti-LGBTQ+ Nigerian protestors have taken to the pulpits and streets. Just last week, the Nigerian government closed several churches in the state of Gombe amid rising tensions. And a month ago, a Nigerian United Methodist pastor was chased out of his church in an alleged attempted assassination. Former Bishop Yohanna’s inaccurate assertions against the UMC only further inflame these sentiments and the harm they can cause.

To be in connection is to seek the kin-dom of God above one’s own gain. What kind of Church – what kinds of Christians – can we be in isolation from our worldwide community? While we offer our gratitude for a Church bound together in constant evolution, we also pray for the safety of those for whom it is not yet permissible to even be associated with queer folks in the Church. The protection and rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world are a matter of universal human rights.

RMN equips communities across the connection that are committed to building affirmation. It’s hard work. You will be misunderstood. But you don’t have to do it alone.