Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
August 2, 2024
UMC bishops assign team to supervise Nigeria Episcopal Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has assigned a leadership team to supervise the Nigeria Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church following the resignation of former Bishop JohnWesley Yohanna.
In consultation with the West Africa College of Bishops and the chair of the West Africa Committee on Episcopacy, the UMC bishops approved the assignment of Bishop John Schol, Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa and Bishop Patrick Streiff as the interim episcopal team to serve the Nigeria Episcopal Area through December 2024. Bishop Schol will serve as the lead bishop, and Bishop Nhiwatiwa will join Bishop Schol when he travels to Nigeria.
Bishop David Yemba will serve in an advisory role. This team has more than 50 combined years of experience serving as bishops. They have served in Africa, Europe, and the United States and have significant experience in growing the mission and ministry of conferences, congregations, and lay and clergy leadership.
COB President Bishop Tracy Smith Malone announced Bishop Yohanna’s resignation from The United Methodist Church and noted that the resignation was effective July 29, 2024. Former Bishop Yohanna’s term was scheduled to end at the close of this year when the West Africa Central Conference is scheduled to elect three new bishops, one of which is for Nigeria.
Bishop Malone has urged bishops, church agencies and congregations to suspend financial support to Nigeria until new episcopal leadership and new mechanisms are in place.
Bishop Malone said she was constantly praying for the people of Nigeria and noted the faith and hope that Nigerians have shown.
“We praise God for the resiliency of faith and hope demonstrated among the United Methodist clergy and laity in Nigeria. The world-wide connection of The United Methodist Church continues to pray for the people of Nigeria and for the ministry and witness of The United Methodist Church in the Nigeria Episcopal Area. We stand in solidarity with the Church as we together continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Bishop Malone said.
Bishop Malone also thanked the bishops who have faithfully been working on behalf of the Council with the United Methodists in Nigeria.
On behalf of the Interim leadership team, Bishop Schol said: “I am humbled and honored to be serving in this capacity. I found the majority of the Nigerian people to want peace and conciliation as they honor Jesus Christ and advance the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. God has a great future for United Methodism in Nigeria.”
Click here to read the letter Bishop Malone sent to the United Methodists in Nigeria
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About the Council of Bishops: The Council of Bishops is the executive branch of The United Methodist Church and is made up of all active and retired bishops in the church. The council is responsible for the church's general oversight and provides spiritual leadership to almost 12 million people on four continents.
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Media Contact:
Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga
Director of Communications
Council of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
(202) 748-5172
