These conflicts come on the heels of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church’s 192nd Annual Session, during which two significant resolutions were unanimously adopted.
MONROVIA — A deepening crisis has engulfed Liberia’s United Methodist Church (UMC) as internal divisions over regionalization and property ownership intensify, following disagreements over the church’s stance on same-sex marriage and its impact on regional leadership.
By Obediah Johnson, Franklin Doloquee and Patience Jones
Widespread Clashes and Police Intervention
On Sunday, Police Support Unit (PSU) officers were deployed to UMC churches in Grand Bassa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, and Nimba counties to prevent unauthorized gatherings. At the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville, violent clashes erupted during a service, leading to the arrest and temporary detention of pastors and dissenting members. Among those detained was Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah—a founding member of the Global Methodist Church and a vocal critic of the UMC’s regional leadership.
Following the installation ceremony of Rev. Simon Doe, the newly appointed pastor at the 72nd UMC, the situation deteriorated. As Rev. Doe exited the ceremony, he discovered that unidentified individuals had vandalized his vehicle by shattering its windshield with stones and striking him with objects. Police subsequently arrested several individuals, including Dr. Kulah, amidst the ensuing chaos.
Internal Criticism and Leadership Reversal
After his release, Dr. Kulah castigated the UMC leadership. “There is a gay guy who is married to another man… He is a bishop in the United Methodist Church. Bishop Jerome Quire and all of us agreed that the day the UMC worldwide passes this law, we will leave. But after his visit in October 2023, he reversed his stance, and we have chosen not to follow him. We will fight this battle, and Jesus will win,” he declared.
In response to growing dissent, the UMC has reiterated its position, affirming that it recognizes marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman. At its recent 192nd Annual Conference in Gbarnga, the Church adopted resolutions that emphatically stated its opposition to same-sex marriage. In a letter to the congregation, Bishop Quire emphasized, “The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church reaffirms its unwavering commitment to uphold the biblical principle of marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. This stance aligns with Biblical teachings, Liberia’s cultural values, and our civil marriage laws.”
Disruption Across Congregations
Despite these clarifications, the breakaway faction—now operating under the name Global Methodist Church—continues to disrupt services nationwide. At Jasper Grant United Methodist Church in Pleebo, members protested the hasty introduction of a new pastor, arguing that traditional protocols were ignored. The church superintendent accused individuals from the Global Methodist Church of inciting violence and attempting to manipulate the congregation along tribal lines, stressing that the UMC is not a tribal church.
Tensions have also flared at UMC branches in New Georgia and Paynesville, with several pastors voicing their discontent over Bishop Quire’s reversal on the same-sex marriage issue. At N.B. Whitfield United Methodist Church in Buchanan, violent confrontations between church members led to a security intervention by police, although no major injuries were reported.
Community Unrest and Property Disputes
In the Dauzon community, local residents clashed with church members after a group of youths congregated outside the United Methodist School. Demanding that the church remove a pastor they identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community, the protest escalated when some youths began throwing stones. Liberia National Police arrived swiftly, dispersing the crowd with tear gas. Residents decried the growing divisions, calling for dialogue and understanding rather than further confrontation.
In Nimba County, police were deployed at the Miller McAllister United Methodist Church in Ganta amid a bitter dispute over church property ownership. The Global Methodist Church contends that these properties belong to the local people—not the UMC—while Bishop Quire maintains that all properties are the rightful assets of the United Methodist Church.
“The United Methodist Church has already won two court cases with the 72nd UMC in Gardnersville and St. Matthew UMC in Caldwell, establishing that these properties belong to the UMC. Those wishing to join the newly formed Global Methodist Church should secure their own premises or worship in members’ homes,” he stated.
These conflicts come on the heels of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church’s 192nd Annual Session, during which two significant resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Marriage Resolution and Traditional Values
The first resolution reaffirms the Church’s commitment to the traditional definition of marriage, aligning with both Biblical principles and Liberia’s civil laws. This stance follows an amendment to The Book of Discipline (2020/2024), approved by the West Africa Central Conference (WACC), which mandates that marriage within the United Methodist Church in West Africa shall be between a man and a woman in accordance with national, state, and local laws.
Protecting Church Properties
The second resolution is aimed at protecting church assets from unauthorized encroachment, conversion, or misuse. It empowers the Board of Trustees to take necessary legal actions to secure and recover all properties held in trust for the Church. According to The Book of Discipline (2020/2024) and a prior resolution (No. 014/LAC/UMC) adopted at the 190th Annual Session, the Board of Trustees holds fiduciary responsibility for these assets. The Church has committed to rigorously safeguarding its properties not only within Liberia’s 15 counties and 20 church districts, but also any assets held abroad.
Internal Disputes and Wider Context
The adoption of these resolutions comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the United Methodist Church over its evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2024, the Church’s rulebook was amended—removing a provision that stated homosexuality was incompatible with Christian teaching, eliminating penalties for ministers who officiate same-sex weddings, and broadening the definition of marriage to include any two consenting adults. These changes have sparked significant backlash across Africa, including Liberia.
Despite reassurances from LAC leadership, led by Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., that the Church does not support same-sex marriage, dissenters have called for an emergency conference to clarify its official position. While the reaffirmation of marriage as a union between a man and a woman was expected to ease tensions, divisions persist, with several branches—particularly in Montserrado, Margibi, and Nimba Counties—continuing to experience unrest.
As the United Methodist Church experiences these turbulent issues, both doctrinal disputes and property battles threaten to further divide its congregations across Liberia.
