By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Rev. Dr. Eunice Iliya, a prominent cleric with the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMC-N), has reaffirmed the church’s unwavering opposition to same-sex marriage, stating unequivocally that it “is against the Nigerian Constitution and our beliefs.”
In an exclusive interview with SUMMIT POST in Jalingo, Rev. Dr. Iliya emphasized that “the Church remains opposed to same-sex marriage and dissociated itself from this practice.” She noted that while homosexuality has been present in the church since 1972, “majority of members of the Church are not in support of same-sex marriage.”
Rev. Dr. Iliya described the recent legislation supporting same-sex marriage as “unholy” and “unethical,” pointing out that it contradicts the teachings of Christianity, the Nigerian constitution, and African culture. “We in Africa are not in support because it is against our beliefs, culture, and ethics,” she stressed.
She revealed that the church was established in 1972, and individuals advocating for same-sex marriage had never succeeded in various General Assembly Conferences through voting until 2024. The legislation came into effect following the departure of some church members, including some Americans who opposed it.
Rev. Dr. Iliya warned that in Africa, individuals would face severe consequences, potentially including being stoned, if they paraded themselves in the streets in the name of same-sex marriage. Regarding the church’s properties, she emphasized that they remain in possession of UMC-N because all structures were built in the name of the church, and nobody has the right to change its signboards or transfer them to another church.
Former Bishop of UMC-N, Bishop John Wesley, also weighed in on the issue, stating that he and some of his followers left the church due to the legalization of same-sex marriage. He expressed surprise at the church’s acceptance of such practices and stated that they “pray for forgiveness and repentance for those who engage in it.”
Bishop John Wesley insisted that those claiming ownership of the church’s properties had left the church over three years ago and, by law, ceased to be members.
Rev. Dr. Iliya reassured members that measures were being taken to address the issue, as a high-powered delegation from America is expected to visit Nigeria soon. She urged members to remain calm and wait for the next steps, believing that God would guide them as they engaged in prayers and fasting.