Reverend Dr. Eunice Iliya, a cleric with the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMC-N), has expressed strong opposition to same-sex marriage, stating that it goes against the Nigerian Constitution and the beliefs of its citizens.
Speaking in Jalingo, she emphasized that the Church remains firmly against same-sex marriage and distances itself from this practice.
“Homosexuality has existed within the Church for a long time,” she noted, adding, “The struggle over this issue has been ongoing since 1972, with some U.S. states supporting it and others opposing it.”
She pointed out that the majority of church members do not support same-sex marriage, particularly in Africa, where it is seen as contrary to their beliefs, culture, and ethics.
Reverend Dr. Iliya explained that during a visit to the United States in 2019, they observed a decline in the number of church members opposing same-sex marriage. “We were surprised to hear that some had distanced themselves from the Church,” she said.
Following the Global Conference in the United States this year, there was a debate within the church on whether to withdraw from the global body or align with those who support same-sex marriage. However, she made it clear that as true Christians, they will never support the recent decision by the General Assembly Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, which legalized same-sex marriage.
She described the legislation as “unholy” and unethical, noting that it contradicts the teachings of Christianity, the Nigerian Constitution, and African culture. Reverend Dr. Iliya also revealed that while the Church has faced pressure from advocates of same-sex marriage since its establishment in 1972, it had never succeeded in passing such legislation until 2024.
She mentioned that this change occurred after some church members, including Americans who opposed it, left the Church.
Reverend Dr. Iliya stressed that in Africa, individuals who openly support same-sex marriage could face severe consequences, including being stoned.
Regarding the Church’s properties, she asserted that they remain under the control of UMC-N, as all structures were built in the name of the Church, and no one has the right to alter its signboards or transfer them to another denomination. She questioned the ethics of relocating with someone else’s property and insisted that those who wish to leave should build their structures.
“The Church remains committed to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ as outlined in the Holy Bible and will not embrace same-sex marriage,” she affirmed.
While maintaining a good relationship with American friends, the Church will not accept their decision to endorse same-sex marriage. Reverend Dr. Iliya urged church members to remain calm, pray and fast, and trust that God would guide them through the next steps.
She also reassured members that the Church is taking measures to address the issue, with a high-powered delegation from America expected to visit Nigeria soon. The Church, she emphasized, will continue to adhere to the correct teachings of the Bible.
In a related interview, the former Bishop of UMC-N, Bishop John Wesley, explained that he and some followers left the Church due to the legalization of same-sex marriage. He expressed shock at the Church’s acceptance of such practices and prayed for forgiveness and repentance for those involved.
Regarding the dispute over church property, Bishop Wesley insisted that those claiming ownership had left the Church over three years ago and, by law, are no longer members.
