The Southern Nigeria Annual Conference, SNAC, of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria has reiterated its long-standing doctrinal stance on human sexuality, describing it as a sacred divine gift that must be exercised with responsibility and moral discipline.
In a communiqué issued in Taraba State on Wednesday, the Conference reaffirmed that marriage, according to its biblical understanding, remains a covenant strictly between one man and one woman, both of whom must be consenting adults.
The communique which also condemned all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, commercialization, and violence, including the sexual abuse of children, called on government authorities to strengthen legal protections for vulnerable populations and expand rehabilitation and counseling services for victims of sexual violence.
Signed by Edison Edward Baraya, Rev. Esther Ibrahim, and Ifechukwu Daniel Jack, the conference commended the Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for what it described as remarkable progress in reducing kidnapping and banditry across the state.
It however expressed concern over persistent violent attacks in Bandawa, Munga Dosso, Munga Lelaw, Shomo, Takum, and other communities.
The conference equally criticized what it characterized as an inadequate federal response to the escalating insecurity in northern Nigeria and urged perpetrators to repent “lest they provoke the righteous judgment of God”.
The communiqué which formed part of the resolutions adopted during the 44th Session of Conference, also led to the church approval of major structural changes, including the creation of a new Southern Nigeria Episcopal Area which 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 improve administrative effectiveness and strengthen unity within the church.
SNAC also approved the establishment of a Special Committee on Remarriage to develop revised guidelines for consideration in 2026. Furthermore, the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Resident Bishop were directed to secure government-recognized certification and licensing for clergy, upgrading existing credentials where required.
Addressing ongoing tensions between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, UMCN, and the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, GMCN, the Conference issued a one-year directive effective January 1, 2026 prohibiting pulpit exchanges and shared worship leadership between clergy and congregations of both denominations.
The policy may be revisited at the 2026 Annual Conference as part of broader reconciliation efforts.
