The Global Methodist Church (GMC) Nigeria has dismissed allegations contained in a viral Facebook video concerning its leadership, episcopal election process and governance, describing the claims as false, misleading, defamatory and inflammatory.
Key Highlights:
- GMC Nigeria dismisses viral allegations over its leadership and episcopal election process.
- Church says bishops are elected through constitutional procedures, not regional quotas or political influence.
- Denies claims of racial discrimination against African leaders within the global church.
- Calls on the individual behind the viral video to withdraw the allegations and issue a public apology.
- Warns that continued defamatory statements may attract legal action.
In a statement issued on Friday in Jalingo, Taraba State, the church said the individual behind the video is a member of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Nigeria and not a member of the Global Methodist Church, adding that the allegations misrepresent the church’s constitutional processes and internal administration.
The statement, signed by the church’s Media Team, rejected claims that episcopal offices are allocated based on regional quotas, that certain candidates receive preferential treatment, or that bishops emerge through political influence or “godfatherism.”
The church also denied allegations that the Assembly of Bishops had expressed dissatisfaction with Presiding Bishop John Pena or that there was any conflict between Bishop John Pena and Emeritus Bishop John Wesley.
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“Our episcopal election process is guided by the Holy Scriptures, constitutional procedures and prayerful discernment under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our bishops are elected by delegates through established constitutional processes rather than political negotiations or regional arrangements,” the statement said.
The GMC further dismissed allegations that Africans, including Nigerians, are excluded from leadership because of racial discrimination, maintaining that Africans occupy key leadership positions across the global church and continue to contribute significantly to its governance, administration, mission and worldwide ministry.
It also refuted claims that it intends to malign the Nigerian judiciary, fabricate allegations against the United Methodist Church or misrepresent official church communications, describing such assertions as false, defamatory and irresponsible.
Expressing concern over what it described as repeated public comments by a non-member on the affairs of the church, the GMC urged that public discourse should be based on verified facts rather than speculation or misinformation.
“We are calling on the non-member to withdraw the allegations, issue an unreserved public apology and refrain from making further defamatory statements concerning the church, its leadership and constitutional processes,” the statement added.
The church warned that continued publication of what it described as false and defamatory statements against the Global Methodist Church, its officers or members could result in institutional and legal action.
It advised members and the general public to disregard the claims contained in the viral video, insisting that they do not reflect the doctrine, governance or official position of the Global Methodist Church.
The GMC reaffirmed its commitment to the authority of Holy Scripture, biblical holiness, faithful discipleship and the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, stressing that it would remain focused on its mission despite what it described as campaigns of misinformation.
