The Nigerian branch of the United Methodist Church has rejected the endorsement of same-sex marriage among its adherents by its leadership.
The group, at a press briefing in Taraba State, labelled the move as “unholy” and “unethical.
The Director of Connectional Ministries, Rev Philip Micah Dopah and church members said they firmly stand by the scriptures and reject the legislation.
The church’s General Conference had approved that LGBTQ individuals be ordained as pastors, participate in same-sex weddings and hold any position of their choice within the church.
But the aggrieved church members said on no account would they recognize such a decision which they said contradicts the Christian Holy Book.
They maintained, “We in the Southern Conference are standing solidly by the scripture of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Same-sex marriage and LGBTQ practices are prohibited by Nigerian law. We will not advise or take any decision that will be against the law of Nigeria. We urge our members to remain calm, knowing that we will remain steadfast to the correct teachings of the church, according to the Bible.”