Bishop Yohanna Resigns As Church Embraces LGBTQ Rights

Bishop Yohanna Resigns As Church Embraces LGBTQ Rights

John-Wesley Yohanna, the former Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), recently addressed his resignation from the church, his strong opposition to LGBTQ rights, and the repatriation of a Zimbabwean Bishop by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Here’s what he shared:

Why did you resign from your position as Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria?

I am grateful for the 12 years I had the honor of serving as Bishop of the UMCN. My Christian journey began with teachings that never included homosexuality. From my early catechism classes and readings of the Bible, such as Genesis Chapter 2, it was clear that God created man and woman to be together, and marriage was defined as a union between a man and a woman. This view was reinforced in the Methodist Church, which remained steadfast in its opposition to homosexuality until recent developments.

When the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) missions merged with the Methodist Church in 1968, and later when Nigeria joined the United Methodist Church (UMC) in 1984/85, discussions about homosexuality began to emerge. However, the Nigerian church consistently voted against its acceptance during General Conferences. We had resolved that if the UMC ever legalized homosexuality, we would not remain in a church that condones it.

Unfortunately, during the General Conference of May 2024, the UMC voted to recognize LGBTQ individuals. As a clergy member overseeing seven Annual Conferences in the Nigerian Episcopal Area, I had led discussions where resolutions were passed to move to the Global Methodist Church (GMC), a breakaway faction that does not accept LGBTQ practices.

Additionally, Nigeria’s laws are against homosexuality, and as members of the church in Nigeria, we believe adhering to these laws is paramount. Continuing within the UMC would contravene our nation’s Constitution, making us liable under the law. Therefore, aligning with the GMC, which aligns with our doctrinal stance, was the appropriate course of action.

On June 1, 2024, I notified the Taraba State government and other relevant agencies of the UMC General Conference’s decision. Subsequently, on July 29, 2024, I submitted my resignation letter to the UMC’s Council of Bishops, citing the church’s legalization of LGBTQ as the reason for my departure. They acknowledged my service and accepted my resignation with appreciation.