By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Sunday 22nd February 2026 marks a great historic day in the life of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria UMCN for decade of conflict, hope was restored as the Jatutu Cathedral Jalingo,reopened its doors amid a historic thanksgiving service for unity, peace, and reconciliation.
The thanksgiving service attended by clergy, congregants, and the Governor of Taraba State His Excellency,Dr Agbu Kefas including other top government officials, marked the end of a prolonged crisis that once threatened the church’s unity, progress and stability.
In his remarks, the Bishop of the Church, Bishop Ande Emmanuel praised God’s faithfulness in reuniting the church.
“Today, we stand as one indivisible body no factions, no divisions. This is possible through the unyielding support and cooperation of the key decision making body of the UMCN.
He acknowledged and appreciated the pivotal role of Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas in mediating the crisis.”On behalf of the Clergy and Laity of the UMCN,we thank you for exhibiting the spirit of statesmanship and we pledge to support you and your administration.
“I urge you brethren,to give His Excellency 100% support. Ensure that this peace,unity and reconciliation we witness today is sustained.
“UMCN doesn’t support same sex marriage. We reject homosexuality in its entirety. I am the Bishop and am married with three kids.
“Our brethren are just hiding under the guise of same sex marriage to promote division and win public sentiment.
“We don’t want fight,we are ready for peace and reconciliation and our doors are open at all times.
“We can exist, GMC can also exist separately.We appeal to you our Governor,to give us justice.
He appreciated Governor Kefas for his pivotal role in restoring peace and facilitating the reopening of the cathedral, noting that the church had remained closed for a decade.
He assured the governor of the church’s continued prayers and support for his administration, expressing optimism that the renewed unity would strengthen the body of Christ in the state and beyond.
Bishop Emmanuel disclose that plans are on the way to elect a second Bishop in December 2026 to jointly oversee the Nigeria Episcopal Area, signaling growth and renewed collaboration.
In his remarks, Taraba State Governor Dr. Abgu Kefas, thanked God and the UMCN leadership for their resilience.
“Today is a historic day not just in the life of the UMCN but the entire Christian body in the State.This reopening is a testament to what unity can achieve.
“Today, I declare here that the division in this church has ended. I declare that UMCN Magami shall rise and remain in service for the Lord. I join hands with you to return this Church to the rightful owner. The Church belong to Jesus Christ so,as we reopen this Church today,let God open our hearts to embrace love and unity and allow unity to become the pillars of this Church,”he stated.
He promised to set up a reconciliation committee to look into the issue between UMCN and GMC,pledging continued support for communal harmony,peace and justice for all.
Governor Kefas acknowledged the painful past but expressed gratitude that peace had finally returned, describing the crisis as “unfortunate” and avoidable. He said the restoration of harmony among members informed the decision to reopen the cathedral after ten years of closure.
Governor Kefas in a sermon titled “Deliverance from Toxic Relationship,” charged believers to be their brother’s keeper and to love one another in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
He reminded Christians that the world views Christ through their conduct.
“Jesus Christ is the mirror through which people watch and assess Christians,” he said, urging the congregation to reflect Christ-like virtues in their daily lives.
The Governor while drawing lessons from the biblical story of Cain and Abel, warned that jealousy, hatred, and rivalry often beginning within families can escalate into destructive crises if not checked. He called on believers to shun divisive tendencies and embrace forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation.
For a decade, the imposing cathedral at Magami stood as a symbol of division. The crisis that engulfed the church fractured relationships and disrupted worship, leaving members scattered and the sanctuary locked.
However, behind the scenes, sustained dialogue, reconciliation meetings, and confidence-building efforts championed by Governor Kefas and other stakeholders gradually paved the way for healing. Sunday’s reopening was therefore more than a ceremonial event; it was the culmination of years of mediation and prayer.
Observers noted that the governor’s message resonated deeply, given the church’s recent history. His emphasis on healing relationships and avoiding toxic associations mirrored the reconciliation process that restored the cathedral.
The thanksgiving service featured special prayers, Holy Communion, and goodwill messages from representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria and other Christian bodies.
For many worshippers, the day was emotional. Some described it as a “homecoming,” while others saw it as a powerful testimony that dialogue and forgiveness can overcome even the deepest divisions.
Beyond the church walls, the reopening of Jatutu Memorial Cathedral sends a broader message about peacebuilding in Taraba State a state historically challenged by communal and religious tensions.
Analysts say the governor’s direct involvement signals his administration’s commitment to fostering unity across religious and ethnic lines.
While the celebration marked the end of a painful chapter, speakers at the event emphasized that sustaining peace requires continuous effort.
The service concluded with goodwill messages from Christian bodies, and prayers for sustained reconciliation, as congregants embraced a future free from past divisions.