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Homosexuality: Why I Resigned From United Methodist Church – Nigerian Bishop

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2024

A former Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), John-Wesley Yohanna, has revealed why he resigned from the UMCN.

The Nigerian Bishop in an interview with Vanguard, said he resigned when the church’s General Conference assent to LGBTQ, which according to him is against the dictate of God in the Bible and the Constitution of Nigeria.

He said as a young christian in his catechism class, he was never taught anything like homosexuality in Christianity, hence going ahead with the UMCN after approval of homosexuality would be sin against God and crime against the law of the land.

He said: “When I became a Christian and attended my catechism classes, I was taught nothing like homosexuality in Christianity. In fact, I was told and also read from the Bible, particularly Genesis Chapter 2, where God created man and woman. God saw that the man had no suitable companion and he gave man a woman. And since then, marriage has been that of a man and a woman.

“It was not until later days when the EUB missions joined the Methodist Church in 1968 and we in Nigeria joined the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 1984/85 that we started hearing about homosexuality.

“But one good thing about those times is that we have always voted it out whenever we attended the General Conference. And it has been our stand in the Nigerian church that whenever homosexuality is legalized, we will no longer stay in a church that accepts it.

“Alas, in May 2024 during the last General Conference of the UMC, they voted to recognize LGBTQ in the church. As a clergy, I presided over seven Annual Conferences of the Nigerian Episcopal Area and all these Conferences had passed resolutions stating that they would vote to move to the Global Methodist Church (GMC), a breakaway faction of the UMC whose doctrine does not recognize LGBTQ.

“Besides, the law of this country is against homosexuality and, as members of the church in Nigeria, we felt if we continue to remain in the UMC, we shall contravene the Constitution of our land and the country can hold us liable.

“It is for this reason we felt it is inappropriate to remain with the UMC, because to us the laws of our country takes precedence over any other Constitution, including that of the church. And In obedience to this, we aligned with the Global Methodist Church (GMC) whose doctrines match ours.

“On the first of June 2024, I informed the government of Taraba State and other relevant agencies about the new development from the UMC General Conference. And on the 29th of July, 2024, I sent my resignation letter to the Council of Bishops of the UMC, stating that I could not continue to serve as Bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal Area because the church has recognized/legalized LGBTQ. They responded by appreciating me for my meritorious service and accepted my resignation.”

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.