Intensified internal conflicts in the Moravian Church of Bilwi, Nicaragua, lead to violent confrontation over church infrastructure control

The Moravian Church in Bilwi, TN8, has seen intensified internal conflicts following the re-election of Reverend Josep Rivera for a second term as superintendent during a recent assembly. Rivera attributed the current situation to changes he implemented in the church’s constitution, which he claims have led to division among members.

The conflict escalated after a group of parishioners refused to hold a new inclusive assembly to elect a new Provincial Board. In response, they convened a district assembly where they elected a new board of directors, selecting Reverend Ofelia Alvarez as superintendent and Reverend Roger Wilson as their second. Rivera, however, did not recognize the assembly’s legitimacy and refused to transfer administration, schools, and the theological seminary to the newly elected board.

The new board, supported by members of the churches, recovered most of the Provincial Board’s infrastructure, leaving only the Moravian school Juan Amos Comenius (JAC) and the theological seminary pending. This Sunday afternoon, a violent confrontation erupted between Rivera’s followers and those of Wilson and Alvarez at the Moravian school facilities.

Several attempts by Wilson’s followers to reclaim the Moravian College facilities culminated in success today. The confrontation left several injured individuals who were transported to the New Dawn Hospital in the city. National Police officers intervened to prevent further injuries and property damage.

Wilson’s followers also recovered the theological seminary, which they claimed had been taken. This center is located where the former University Bicu operated. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for control and authority within the Moravian Church, with significant implications for its governance and community relations.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)