Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, is the largest national body of the Church of the Brethren in the world. With a vibrant history of nearly 100 years, EYN has placed a high emphasis on education, health, and agriculture. Today EYN continues to be ravaged by attacks from the militant group Boko Haram. Emergency assistance is being provided through the Emergency Disaster Fund. Go to the Nigeria crisis page for the latest information.
Before the destruction by insurgents, EYN had nearly a million people attending services and has carried out mission efforts in neighboring countries. The church’s ministries include its peace witness, aid to those affected by the crisis, leadership development, Women’s Fellowship (ZME), and youth programs. EYN is a member of the World Council of Churches and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The Church of the Brethren in the US partners with EYN in a number of meaningful ways: Kulp Theological Seminary (KTS), the major training institution for Nigerian church leadership; and the church-sponsored Comprehensive Secondary School. In addition, the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program trains more than 1,500 people in basic Christian education.
See the Global Food Initiative (GFI) page for more information on sponsored agricultural projects. See the history of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria pages here.
Nigeria News
- International guests at Annual Conference come from churches in Burundi, Dominican Republic, India, Nigeria, Spain, Venezuela
International guests at the 2024 Annual Conference include top leadership from several Church of the Brethren sister denominations around the world as well as a number from B.E.S.T. in Nigeria.
- Storm causes damage at EYN refugee camp in Cameroon
We have been hearing of a storm and need at the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) refugee camp in Cameroon, called Camp Minawao. The new EYN director of Disaster Relief Management, Bitrus Duwara, investigated and found out the following:
- Bethany Seminary honors 22 graduates at first commencement in Nigeria
In a joyful celebration, Bethany Theological Seminary held a historic commencement ceremony in Jos, Nigeria. The ceremony took place at the EYN Technology Centre of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) on May 21.
- Nigeria Crisis Response is extended through 2024 with plan to phase out program over three years
The staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries have directed a large grant of $225,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to extend the Nigeria Crisis Response for another year. The grant is given in conjunction with a plan to phase out the program over the next three years, created in collaboration with the Disaster Relief Management Team of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
- EYN holds 77th Majalisa celebrating unity and progress
The 77th Majalisa of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the church's history. Held April 16-19 at EYN Headquarters in Kwarhi, Adamawa State, the Majalisa (or annual conference) brought together thousands of members, leaders, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond. On the agenda were elections and appointment of a new top leadership team.
- Bethany Seminary president Jeff Carter visits Nigeria
President Jeff Carter, academic dean Steve Schweitzer, and coordinator of Seminary Computing Services Paul Shaver returned in mid-January from a visit to Jos, Nigeria. They met with Bethany employees Sharon Flaten and Joshua Sati, as well as students, and local religious and educational leaders.
- People killed, church communities attacked in Christmastime violence in Nigeria
Congregations and communities of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) were among those suffering attacks during the Christmas season in northern Nigeria, reported EYN staff.
- Churches in Nigeria fill with music, dancing, and prayer as WCC visits
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was among the Nigerian denominations whose congregations received visits during a recent meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in Abuja, Nigeria. Members of the WCC executive committee visited an array of congregations on Sunday, Nov. 12, “bringing a deep spiritual aspect to their gathering,” said a WCC release.
- EYN farmers suffer violence in northeast Nigeria, interview with EYN district secretary for Wagga
Clergy of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) have counted 107 farms harvested by Boko Haram said Mishak T. Madziga, EYN district secretary for the Wagga district, in an exclusive interview. In addition, he reported several deaths of EYN members at the hands of the terrorists. EYN president Joel S. Billi, who was in the area to celebrate the autonomy of a new local congregation, confirmed the report of many farmers losing their farms to Boko Haram in this critical time of harvest.
- 29th October: A day to remember
This poetic reflection on the experience of members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) when under attack by Boko Haram was written by Sara Zakariya Musa and contributed to Newsline by Zakariya Musa who serves as head of EYN Media.