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UMCN:Court Voids Attempt to Deregister United Methodist Church of Nigeria.

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By our Correspondent, April 1, 2026.
A Federal High Court has nullified an attempt to deregister The United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), affirming the Church’s legal standing and ordering a reversal of actions that sought to replace it with a new denomination.

Delivering judgment on March 30, 2026, the presiding judge, Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu, ruled that the process undertaken to alter the Church’s legal identity was flawed and did not comply with statutory provisions. The court held that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) failed to follow due process in approving the change of name and trusteeship from UMCN to the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN).

According to the ruling, the purported new body “does not exist in the eyes of the law,” having not been duly registered in line with legal requirements. The court consequently declared the deregistration of UMCN null and void.

Reacting to the judgment in a press statement issued Thursday, Resident Bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for truth and justice. He expressed appreciation to the court for upholding due process and restoring the Church’s legal identity.

The bishop disclosed that the legal dispute stemmed from a protracted crisis within the Church, which led to some former leaders aligning with the Global Methodist Church and allegedly taking over properties and assets belonging to UMCN. He noted that the Church had initially sought an amicable resolution but was compelled to institute legal action in December 2024 to reclaim its assets and protect its identity.

Despite the favorable ruling, Bishop Emmanuel cautioned against triumphalism, urging members and the broader Christian community to view the moment as an opportunity for healing and reconciliation.

“This is not a moment of celebration, but a moment for healing. It is time to mend what has been broken,” he said, calling for dialogue, peaceful engagement, and unity among Christians.

He extended an olive branch to members who had left the Church, assuring them of a willingness to welcome them back, while also expressing respect for those who choose to continue their worship elsewhere.

The bishop acknowledged that enforcement of the court’s orders, including recovery of assets, remains a task ahead, but emphasized the need to proceed with humility, grace, and love.

Highlighting the Church’s longstanding contributions, he noted that for over a century, the United Methodist Church has played a significant role in Nigeria’s development through investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and social services.

He added that the resolution of the legal battle would enable the Church to refocus on its core mission of evangelism and humanitarian outreach.

The statement also linked the development to the ongoing Holy Week and Easter season, urging Christians to embrace the values of sacrifice, renewal, and peace symbolized by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“As we close this chapter, we pray for renewed strength and unity within the Church. This Easter, may we commit to being peacemakers and instruments of God’s love in a divided world,” the bishop stated.

The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for the ongoing dispute over church leadership, assets, and identity within the Methodist community in Nigeria.

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