The United Methodist Church in Nigeria Episcopal Area has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible, free, fair and transparent polls nationwide.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 44th Annual Conference Session of the Church, held in Zing town, Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.
”We also call on politicians to eschew violence, hate speech and vote-buying, and on security agencies to remain neutral. We encourage our members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, vote conscientiously and pray earnestly for the nation. Leaders must govern with justice, integrity, accountability and the fear of God.”
The communiqué expressed deep grief over worsening insecurity across Nigeria, especially the recent killings in Binari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
”We mourn the dead, pray for the bereaved and displaced, and condemn this senseless barbarity without any reservation.
”We demand that the government urgently arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, deploy adequate security personnel, and protect lives and property. No citizen should live in fear in their own beloved homeland.
”It calls on all Nigerians, particularly communities in conflict, to embrace dialogue, genuine forgiveness and mutual respect. As ambassadors of Christ entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, we shall promote peace .through prayer, community engagement and interfaith cooperation.
”We urge traditional rulers, religious leaders and youths to resolve disputes peacefully, reject revenge and build bridges across ethnic and religious divides so that lasting harmony may prevail across our nation.”
It believes that good health is a gift from God and a basic human right but laments the decay of public hospitals, shortage of drugs and medical personnel, rising maternal and child mortality, as well as the exodus of health workers abroad.
”We call on the government to increase health funding, expand affordable insurance coverage and strengthen primary healthcare centres, especially in rural and underserved areas.
”We sincerely commend our dedicated mission hospitals and clinics, and commit to health education, immunisation advocacy, mental health awareness and compassionate care for the sick, elderly and vulnerable, in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
The conference recognises young people as the strength of the Church and the nation but is troubled by widespread unemployment, which pushes many youths towards crime, drug abuse and migration.
”We urge the government and the private sector to create jobs, support small businesses and expand vocational and digital skills training.
”We call on political parties and church structures to open leadership opportunities for the youth, including reduced nomination costs and representation in decision-making bodies.
”We encourage young people to remain hardworking, honest and prayerful, resisting violence and political manipulation, and preparing to lead with integrity and the fear of God.
”It affirms that education is a divine mandate and the foundation of national development.
”We call on the government at all levels to significantly increase funding, rebuild dilapidated schools, pay teachers’ salaries promptly and make quality learning accessible to every child, especially in rural and conflict-affected communities.
”We encourage parents to prioritise their children’s schooling, and we commit the Conference to strengthening our mission schools, scholarships, teacher training and literacy programmes.
”We affirm that Scripture is the supreme guide for Christian living and that culture must always be assessed in its light.
”We appreciate the richness of our African heritage, including respect for elders, community, hospitality, music and language, and we encourage its preservation and celebration.
”However, we reject any cultural practices that contradict the Gospel, such as harmful widowhood rites, idolatrous rituals and discrimination against women and children.
”It calls on the Church to teach the Word faithfully and boldly, embrace discipleship, and let the transforming Gospel of Christ shape every single aspect of our culture, families, institutions and communities.
”The Southern Conference reaffirms that the Holy Bible, our final authority in faith and practice, upholds marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman.
”We therefore teach that homosexual practice is contrary to Scripture and cannot be accepted in our churches. We shall continue to show Christ’s love, compassion and pastoral care to all persons while holding firmly to biblical teaching, and we urge members to remain steadfast.
”We insist that justice is the bedrock of lasting peace. We call for an independent judiciary, swift and fair prosecution of offenders, and fair treatment of all citizens regardless of tribe, religion or status.
”Victims of violence must receive compensation and protection, and corruption must be firmly and fearlessly confronted. We pray that justice will roll down like waters, and we commit to standing with the oppressed and the voiceless.
”On global warming and climate change, the Conference affirms that creation belongs to God and that humanity is called to be faithful stewards of the earth. We are deeply concerned about global warming and climate change, whose effects in Nigeria include flooding, drought, desertification, erosion and failed harvests, which worsen hunger, poverty and conflict, and displace entire communities.
”We call on the government to enforce environmental laws, end gas flaring and illegal logging, and invest in renewable energy and climate-resilient agriculture.
”We urge our churches and members to plant trees, avoid waste and teach care for creation so that future generations may inherit a healthy and sustainable earth.”
