Senate Probes Conflict
The Liberian Senate has opened a probe into the conflict between The United Methodist Church, represented by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. (left inset) and the Global Methodist Church represented by former UMC clergyman Rev Dr. Jerry Kulah (right inset). GMC supporters allege the UMC requires pastors to perform same-sex marriage which is illegal in Liberia. Bishop Quire and other Liberian UMC leaders deny the rumors, but physical violence has erupted in the country over the dispute. (Photo Courtesy of FrontPage Africa)
FrontPage Africa.com | March 6, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Liberian Senate has decided to probe the ongoing crisis within the United Methodist Church (UMC) following concerns about its stance on same-sex marriage.
The situation has caused confusion within the Christian community and raised questions about the government’s position on the issue.
The tension escalated last Sunday after the leadership of the UMC removed several senior pastors, sparking protests across the country.
Local Methodist church leaders expressed dissatisfaction with Bishop Samuel Quire’s alleged backtracking on the church’s previous opposition to regional efforts to promote same-sex marriages in UMC churches worldwide.
In response to the turmoil, the Liberia National Police’s Police Support Unit (PSU) was deployed to several UMC locations in Pleebo, Maryland, Kakata, Margibi, and Montserrado to prevent worshippers from gathering. Several pastors, including Rev. Jerry Kulah of the 72nd United Methodist Church, were briefly detained, while a vehicle belonging to a reassigned pastor was damaged.
In protest against the UMC’s endorsement of regionalization, some churches have broken away and renamed themselves the Global United Methodist Church (GMC).
On Tuesday, March 3, the Liberian Senate took action by inviting Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh and leaders from both the UMC and GMC to appear before its Joint Committee on Internal Affairs, Peace and Reconciliation, National Security, and Judiciary. (Editor's note: Minister Tweh is a former member of the United Methodist Church's Judicial Council, its equivalent of a "supreme court.")
The session is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, to address the issue and investigate the matter.
The Senate’s intervention follows concerns raised by Senator Wellington Geevon Smith of Rivercess County, who described the situation as a potential conflict within Liberia’s Christian community, particularly within the UMC.
In his communication, which FrontPage Africa obtained, Senator Smith noted the church’s division over the acceptance of same-sex marriage, citing police intervention and the temporary detention of Rev. Kulah.
Senator Smith emphasized that Liberia has not legalized same-sex marriage, and the country’s laws, including the Constitution, do not support it. He raised concerns that the ongoing division in the UMC, along with the government’s silence on the matter, might imply tacit endorsement of same-sex marriage or a violation of the country’s laws.
For a while, it has been reported that the United Methodist Church is divided into factions, allegedly over the acceptance and rejection of same-sex marriage in the church. This confusion escalated to the point of Police intervention on Sunday March 2, 2025, resulting in the temporary detention of one of the country’s known clergymen, Rev. Jerry Kulah, Jr.
Wellington Geevon Smith, Senator, Rivercess County
He urged the Minister of Justice to clarify whether same-sex marriage is being practiced within the church and whether the government’s silence is inadvertently endorsing or violating the Constitution.
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon also filed a motion for the Senate to investigate the issue, describing it as a serious security concern. He called for prompt action to prevent further violence, like the altercations seen at UMC churches over the weekend.
The Senate Joint Committee is expected to submit its report back to the full Senate next Tuesday.
Under Liberian law, same-sex marriage is illegal. Title 9 of the Domestic Relations Law defines marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman.
Obediah Johnson
Photo Courtesy of FrontPage Africa.com
Obediah Johnson writes for FrontPage Africa.com from which this article is republished.