Yuletide: Death of 3 church members, hostile to festivity – Taraba Bishop laments
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN), Rev. Ande Emmanuel has lamented over the gruesome murder of three church members in Munga Dasso village of Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Bishop Ande Emmanuel
Bishop Ande, who disclosed that the incident happened on Sunday, 15th December, 2024 explained that the mayhem has given a negative affect to the 2024 Christmas celebration in the lives of UMCN members in the state.
The Clergy who, spoke through a statement he signed and issued to Journalists in Jalingo said Masoyi Elisha, 27 year old, a 2 and 4 years’ old children were murdered in cold blood right inside the church of God while 10 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
“In this season as we remember the birth of the Prince of Peace, we are not experiencing the peace and joy of Christmas because of these murders”,
“Sunday the 15th day of December, 2024, when the three Methodists were senselessly killed, will be a day that is seared in our memories for the rest of our lives”, he said.
According to the Clergy, the attackers attended the church, and when asked to leave, took out guns, killed Masoyi Elisha, the two children and injured 10 others.
Condemning the act, Bishop Emmanuel Ande called on the law enforcement Agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
He also beckoned on the church members to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“Returning violence for violence is against the gospel of Jesus Christ.” he said.
Bishop Ande also used the forum to refute claims that UMCN permits same sex marriage, saying those spreading such news are mischief makers who want to mislead the members of the church and Bishops in Nigeria.
“Let me be clear: The laws of the West Africa United Methodist Church and the policies of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria do not permit same gender marriage or LGBTQ clergy”,
“It is true, just as with other denominations in Nigeria, that parts of the church practice things such as blessing and performing gay marriage where civil laws permit such weddings. But the denominations within Nigeria such as The United Methodist Church do not permit and do not bless same gender marriage and do not ordain gay clergy”, he added.
