MONROVIA-The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has ordered the temporary closure of the historic Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church following two Sundays of chaotic worship disruptions, including the rejection of assigned clergy and interference with Holy Communion.
Located near the church’s national headquarters, S.T. Nagbe UMC has become a flashpoint in what church leaders describe as a deepening crisis that threatens the spiritual and institutional fabric of the denomination in Liberia.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, August 6, and signed by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., the Executive Committee condemned what it called “hostile” actions against duly appointed pastors, citing a breakdown in spiritual discipline and outright defiance of church authority.
“These actions stand in direct opposition to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the values that the United Methodist Church holds sacred: peace, love, accountability, order, and mutual respect,” the committee said.
The crisis, church officials say, has simmered since the conclusion of the 2020–2024 General Conference of the global United Methodist Church, which reaffirmed its stance that marriage is between one man and one woman—a doctrinal position consistent with Liberian law. That reaffirmation, now codified in the forthcoming edition of the Book of Discipline, has sparked resistance in several congregations, including S.T. Nagbe UMC, where some members have reportedly sought to affiliate with the Global Methodist Church, a conservative breakaway denomination.
The Liberia Annual Conference claims that repeated attempts to resolve the conflict through pastoral dialogue and administrative mediation were rebuffed. Bishops and pastors attempting to hold charge conferences or restore order were allegedly blocked by defiant members, with reports of verbal hostility and obstruction of meetings.
In response, the LAC has sealed the S.T. Nagbe church premises and suspended all activities there. Services are to be temporarily relocated to other United Methodist churches in Monrovia, under the oversight of the District Superintendent and Senior Pastor. These officials are authorized to appoint acting officers for all auxiliaries during the interim period.
Individuals identified as central to the disruptions face possible disciplinary proceedings under Paragraph 2702.1 of the Book of Discipline, with investigations to be carried out in accordance with Paragraph 2706.
Church leaders warned that similar actions could be taken against any other congregations exhibiting instability or defiance.
“This is not who we are. These actions tarnish the legacy of Bishop Nagbe and the sanctity of this historic church,” the statement read.
Founded in honor of Liberia’s first Methodist bishop, S.T. Nagbe UMC is considered a spiritual landmark and symbol of national religious heritage. Its closure, though described as temporary, underscores the seriousness of the internal conflict gripping the denomination.
Church authorities insisted the move is not punitive, but protective—aimed at preserving life, property, and the sanctity of sacred spaces.
Reopening the church, they said, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and a determination by the Bishop, his Cabinet, and assigned clergy that worship conditions have returned to acceptable standards.
In a final appeal, Bishop Quire called on all members of the Liberia Annual Conference to reflect, pray, and recommit to unity.
“We call upon all members, especially those involved in the conflict, to reflect prayerfully on their actions and recommit to the teachings and governance of the United Methodist Church,” he said. “Let us not allow our differences to become weapons of division. Instead, let us pursue reconciliation, humility, and healing.”
He urged both clergy and laity to lift S.T. Nagbe UMC in prayer, expressing confidence that peace and spiritual order can be restored through faith and collective resolve.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
