Gov Kefas Reopens UMCN Jalingo 10 Years After

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Sunday officiated the reopening of the Jatutu United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) Cathedral in Jalingo, which had been closed for a decade due to internal leadership disputes.

During the thanksgiving ceremony held in Jalingo, Governor Kefas delivered a sermon, emphasizing that the occasion represented more than a mere event.

He articulated that the restoration of the church after ten years of silence signified divine intervention and marked a moment of renewal for Christians residing in Taraba State.

Governor Kefas elaborated that the reopening was not merely a matter of physical reconstruction but rather symbolized the restoration of faith and unity among the congregation.

He observed that the sanctuary had remained closed for ten years, its doors barred by conflict, yet now, divine providence had reunited the faithful.

In his sermon, the Governor drew upon scripture from John 17:21, underscoring the importance of unity among Christians.

He implored all factions within the church to set aside their differences and focus on God, whom he described as “The giver and taker of life.”

“This Sunday service is not ordinary. I was unaware that this church was closed down on February 22, 2016, ten years ago. And when it was closed, I wasn’t even here. So what’s happening today is divine,” he remarked.

Bishop Emmanuel Ande, who also addressed the congregation, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for his pivotal role in restoring peace to the cathedral.

Bishop Ande acknowledged that without such intervention, the church might have remained neglected for many more years.

Furthermore, Bishop Ande cautioned against individuals and groups attempting to claim UMCN properties under false pretenses.

He explained that the crisis had originated when a former Bishop, upon completing his tenure, sought an extension, which the church denied. According to Bishop Ande, this refusal led to attempts to introduce another denomination into the church, with proponents disguising their intentions under the guise of same-sex marriage, an issue he emphasized does not exist in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the church’s stance, clearly stating that UMCN has never supported same-sex marriage and would not condone efforts to undermine its mission.

“The whole issue began when someone who had completed his tenure as a Bishop sought a tenure extension, and the church declined. Subsequently, they attempted to bring in another denomination, hiding under the guise of same-sex marriage, which does not even exist in Nigeria,” he stated.

The reopening service was characterized by prayers, songs of thanksgiving, and a call for reconciliation among members, with many worshippers describing the occasion as emotional and long-awaited.