At its meeting on August 5, the Transitional Leadership Council (TLC) of the Global Methodist Church celebrated the decision of Bishop Johnwesley Yohanna and the four annual conferences in Nigeria to become part of the GM Church. By unanimous vote, the Southern Nigeria, Central Nigeria, Northern Nigeria, and Northeast Nigeria Conferences voted to end their relationship with The United Methodist Church and become members of the GM Church. The four Nigerian annual conferences now join the thirty-two provisional annual conferences previously formed by the GM Church organized around the world.
Bishop Yohanna has been the episcopal leader of the church in Nigeria since his election in 2012. He has provided significant spiritual and moral leadership to the Nigerian church as it has responded to decisions made recently by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The TLC has welcomed Bishop Yohanna as an elder and clergy member and recognized him as an active bishop of the GM Church effective July 29, 2024. Along with Bishops Scott J. Jones and Mark J. Webb, Bishop Yohanna serves as a general superintendent of the entire church. He will have continuing responsibilities related to overseeing congregations and clergy in Nigeria. However, the GM Church does not appoint bishops to serve as residential bishops. Bishop Yohanna has announced his intention to become a bishop emeritus once legislation on the episcopacy and superintendency is adopted by the GM Church convening General Conference and implemented.
Nigeria is the latest to join the GM Church network on the continent of Africa, joining the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Kenya-Ethiopia, and South Africa. The GM Church continues to be dedicated to the people of Africa, striving to support and nurture the spiritual growth and development of our congregations across the continent.