Bishop And Team Assaulted While Doing Ministry Work
A United Methodist Church (UMC) bishop was attacked while performing ministry work in Nigeria, and a vehicle in his entourage was damaged during the incident. UMC Council of Bishops President, Tracy Malone, shared that Bishop Ande Emmanuel, along with other UMC members, was assaulted by an unidentified group while traveling in the Nigerian Episcopal Area. Malone condemned the violence and urged peaceful resolution to conflicts, calling on all parties to avoid retaliation and to pursue peace, as taught by Jesus Christ.
Malone expressed support for Emmanuel, his family, and the wider UMC community in Nigeria, offering prayers for their safety and well-being. She highlighted the importance of overcoming evil with good and encouraged members of the church to act as agents of peace in a world marked by conflict. Bishop Emmanuel was recently elected to lead the UMC’s West Africa Central Conference after a leadership change, succeeding former Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, who had resigned in 2024.
The UMC has faced internal divisions over theological issues, particularly surrounding same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ inclusion, leading to the formation of the more conservative Global Methodist Church (GMC). These divisions have fueled tensions in Nigeria, where same-sex marriage and homosexual acts are illegal. Violent clashes between UMC and GMC supporters have occurred, including recent reports of conflicts resulting in deaths and property damage. Both denominations have condemned the violence and called for peaceful coexistence.
In addition to interdenominational violence, Nigeria continues to grapple with extremist attacks by groups like Boko Haram, known for targeting Christians and churches. These violent incidents, coupled with kidnappings and other crimes, have made Nigeria one of the most dangerous places for Christians, according to Open Doors USA, which ranks the country among the worst for Christian persecution globally.