The presiding Bishop of the Global Methodist church, Northern and central Nigeria annual conferences, Bishop Jones Scott, has called on members to imbibe holiness and shun any acts capable of disrupting communal peace.
By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Bishop Jones Scott made the call while delivering sermon at the 20th annual Conference of GMCN held at Reverend Ali Masoyi memorial cathedral Gwandum, Shongom LGA, Gombe state.
The conference which opened with a procession and song ministrations from the various church groups, was a moment of glee and happiness.
Bishop Jones, who delivered sermon on the theme of the conference ” so the world will know the old has gone, the new has come” took his reading from the book of second Corinthians chapter five verse seventeen.
Bishop Scotts, emphasized that spiritual holiness is the basis for a happy and fulfilled life, also encouraged the participants to demonstrate Christ like character of love for family and larger community .
Bishop Jones Scott who came from Georgia prayed for a peaceful and more prosperous Nigeria.
Speaking on the disaffiliation of the global Methodist from united Methodist church, the Bishop called on the members to remain peaceful and focus their attention to evangelism and living holy lives.
Speaking shortly on his mission to Nigeria, Bishop Jones Scott, said he is in Nigeria to oversee the annual Conference and the progress of the church as part of his duties .
Also speaking, the the conference superintendent, northern annual conference, Rev Salama Hassan, highlighted on some of the successes and challenges of the conference, where he restated the position of the church against LGBTQ practices, which he said, bridges constitutional, traditional and biblical norms and doctrines.
In her remark, the chairman board of trustees of GMCN Mrs Beatrice Iliya highlighted some of the challenges faced by the Churchb following it disaffiliation from UMC, called on members to remain calm, united and prayerful , adding that legal procedures is being followed to addressing problems.
Others who shared their goodwill messages to include the district heads of filiya and Gwandum and Burak, Mr Haruna Birdeka, Mr Yahaya Haruna and mr Gondak Burak respectively, emphasized the commitment of the traditional rulers in fostering peace and promoting peace and unity which creates enabling environment for religious activities.
Some of the participants interviewed to include Mrs Amina Absalom and Mr Raymond Biwai, said the annual Conference is a significant event for members of the church worldwide and promises to step down all resolutions reached to members of their various districts.
The conference is an avenue for making resolutions regarding the growth and development of Northern Nigeria Annual conference, drew delegates from Bauchi, Gombe, kano Abuja, and part of Taraba states.
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