JALINGO, September 16, 2026 — The Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) has provided clarification on developments arising from its 2026 General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, urging members and the general public to rely on verified information from officially authorised Church channels.
The clarification followed the 2026 General Conference of the Global Methodist Church, held under the theme, “The Beauty of Holiness,” which brought together delegates from different countries, regions and ministry contexts to deliberate on the mission, doctrine, leadership and future direction of the Church.
In a statement signed by the Media Team of the Global Methodist Church Nigeria, the Church described the conference as a significant milestone in the continuing development of the denomination, particularly with the adoption of the Articles of Faith, which reaffirmed the Wesleyan heritage and theological foundation of the Global Methodist Church.
The Church also highlighted its growth since the 2024 General Conference, stating that the denomination has expanded from about 4,700 congregations to approximately 7,250 congregations globally.
EIGHT BISHOPS ELECTED
A major outcome of the conference was the election of eight bishops who will serve during the 2026–2032 episcopal term.
Those elected are Luther Oconer, Johnathan Lee, Mark Webb, Lyndol Loyd, Jerry Kulah, Eduard Khegay, Paul Lawler and Carolyn Moore, assigned to Areas 1 through 8 respectively.
For Nigeria, the new episcopal assignments include Bishop Jerry Kulah for Southern Nigeria, Bishop Mark Webb for Central Nigeria, Bishop Lyndol Loyd for Northeast Nigeria and Bishop Paul Lawler for Northern Nigeria.
The newly elected bishops are expected to commence their six-year episcopal assignments in November 2026.
BISHOP AUTA APPOINTED COORDINATING BISHOP
The conference also ushered in a new coordination structure for the Nigerian Church with the appointment of Bishop John Pena Auta as Coordinating Bishop for the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, effective November 1, 2026.
According to the GMCN Media Team, the appointment followed consultations with the Assembly of Bishops and received the support of Nigerian delegates as well as the four bishops providing episcopal leadership to the Nigerian Annual Conferences.
As Coordinating Bishop, Bishop Auta is expected to facilitate greater coordination, communication and collaboration among the four episcopal leaders and the Nigerian Annual Conferences.
The Church explained that Bishop Auta will continue serving as an active bishop until November 1, after which he will retain the status of Bishop Emeritus while continuing in the coordinating role.
The new arrangement, according to the Church, is expected to provide a framework for closer cooperation, discipleship, mission and organisational development within the Nigerian Church.
GMCN WARNS AGAINST UNVERIFIED INFORMATION
A major part of the Church’s statement was an advisory to members and the general public on the circulation of information concerning the affairs of the Global Methodist Church.
The GMC Nigeria urged members to disregard unverified announcements, statements and reports issued by individuals or platforms that are not officially authorised to speak on behalf of the Church.
It specifically advised members to exercise caution when receiving information concerning leadership, appointments, policies, programmes and official decisions of the Church.
The Church said members and the public should rely exclusively on communications issued through the GMC Nigeria Media Team, which it described as the channel responsible for verifying and disseminating official information.
The Media Team further encouraged members to confirm the authenticity of sensitive information before sharing it, particularly on social media and other public platforms.
The clarification is coming as the Nigerian arm of the Global Methodist Church begins preparations for the implementation of the new episcopal structure following the Johannesburg General Conference.
The Church expressed appreciation to its members, clergy, missionaries and congregations across Nigeria and around the world for their commitment and sacrifice, reaffirming its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness.
The GMCN said the new season presents an opportunity to strengthen unity, deepen commitment to the Christian faith and improve the effectiveness of the Church’s ministry and mission in Nigeria and beyond.
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