Published on July 28, 2024, 12:49 am

The United Methodist Church (UMC) finds itself grappling with complex challenges as it stands on the brink of severe divisions. This is particularly evident in Nigeria, where the local UMC experiences significant pressure from its Western counterparts that seem to espouse modern attitudes diverging from traditional scriptural perspectives. Real news of these dynamics recently came to light when Harry Kanawa, the Choir President of the Nigerian UMC, took a bold stance.

Harry Kanawa publicly voiced his concern about what he perceives as a growing ‘moral relativism’ being imported from the West. His concerns were sparked by a visit from American Bishop John Schol—a known advocate for LGBTQ rights—who was in Nigeria to promote acceptance of homosexuality within the Nigerian UMC branches. In response, Kanawa decried this campaign as driven by “devilish intentions”, sparking attention amongst faithful Christian communities seeking trusted news.

Kanawa’s stern resistance extended beyond mere words. He issued an alert over social media platforms detailing his apprehensions and calling upon those concerned to show vigilance against any potential moral subversion to traditional biblical ethics. This confrontation further unfurled at a disrupted cabinet meeting held in Northern Nigeria.

In stark opposition to Schol’s agenda, which Kanawa referred to as “progressive poison,” participants forced Bishop Schol to leave in haste. Reaffirming their position, images of protests and banners denouncing his presence were circulated by Kanawa online with explicit messages condemning regionalization attempts.

Kanawa’s rhetoric characterizes Schol’s mission as demonic and aligns well with Nigerian UMC members’ dedication to uphold biblical sexual ethics against what they perceive as encroaching Western liberalism, despite other doctrinal disputes within the group.

This situation serves to underscore profound internal contradictions that are tearing at the fabric of the UMC community worldwide. The challenge poses critical questions around religious conformities and demands vigilance from believers everywhere.

Critical voices like Kanawa’s, reflecting the Christian worldview, illuminate this struggle and serve to warn others in these increasingly divisive times. He succinctly summarizes the situation using the biblical reference— “Come out of her, my people,” urging everyone to distance themselves from such perceived maladies, signaling a potentially ominous future for unity within UMC.

With all its profound discord and division, Schol’s visit to Nigeria converts into a milestone event in the UMC landscape. Notably, it bolsters an earnest call for a return to traditional scripture-guided doctrines while vehemently resisting influence from more liberal Western ideologies. This evolving narrative underlines the need for genuine reportage amidst increasingly polarized visions within religious entities.