Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church Addresses Violence in Munga Dosa, Nigeria

The Assembly of Bishops of the Global Methodist Church is responding to reports of violence in the community of Munga Dosa, Nigeria, involving members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and the United Methodist Church (UMC). This tragic incident has reportedly resulted in loss of life and the destruction of homes by fire.

"We are deeply grieved by the loss of life and the devastation that has occurred," the Assembly stated. "We unequivocally decry the use of violence in any form and call on all people, Global Methodists and United Methodists alike, to act as agents of peace. We urge the church and the global community to pray fervently for those enduring unimaginable suffering, for justice to be served to those responsible for these acts, and for peace to be restored in Munga Dosa."

There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the events of this past Sunday, and the Assembly cautions against accepting unverified accounts or accusations circulating on social media. Initial reports suggest that the conflict stems from a decades-long family feud, including both United Methodists and Global Methodists which has been intensified by the process of disaffiliation in Nigeria.

The Assembly of Bishops is fully committed to holding any person within the Global Methodist Church accountable for their actions. For years, the church has been teaching and advocating against the use of violence. In a joint statement issued by Bishops John Pena Auta and Scott Jones, representing the four annual conferences of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, they declared:

“As bishops of the four annual conferences of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, we deplore all forms of violence being practiced. This is especially wrong when the persons involved are members of Methodist churches. We call upon all persons to practice love, mutual understanding, and respect for differences. We are praying for the victims and their families.”

The Assembly is actively working with Connectional Operations Officer, Mike Schafer, to coordinate efforts to gather information, address immediate needs, and provide support to those impacted. Bishop John Pena Auta has traveled to the region to gather firsthand information about what transpired. The Assembly is supporting and relying heavily on the expertise and leadership of its Nigerian bishops and leaders to navigate this situation and address the underlying issues contributing to the violence.

Recently, correspondence from United Methodist bishops was sent to Global Methodist bishops assigned to Nigeria. Due to travel schedules a response to that correspondence was delayed, but we have responded, sharing our commitment to do our part to end the violence and discord among Methodists in Nigeria.

The Assembly is also evaluating the need for financial assistance to support those displaced by the fires with food and shelter. Should specific needs be identified, the church will share this information as an invitation for the Global Methodist community to respond with generosity and compassion.

The Assembly of Bishops calls upon all members of the Global Methodist Church and people of faith everywhere to continue in fervent prayer for the victims of this tragedy, for justice to be served, and for peace to prevail in Munga Dosa.

About the Global Methodist Church: The Global Methodist Church was launched in 2022, born out of a desire to reclaim the church’s Wesleyan heritage and focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ. Guided by a deep commitment to scriptural authority, holiness, and the transformative power of the Gospel, the church seeks to inspire passionate worship, extravagant love, and bold witness. Our mission is clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. As a connectional and global body, we value the authority of Scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the call to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. For more information, please visit globalmethodist.org.