By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News Gbarnga
Gbarnga-Bong County: In a bold and controversial statement, the Resident Bishop of the Liberia episcopal area, Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has publicly branded the leadership actions of both the Young Adults Fellowship and the Women’s Conference as being “Anti-United Methodism.” The strong remarks, which were made during his episcopal address, point to a growing division between Bishop Quire’s administration and these influential church groups.
In a scathing critique, Bishop Quire claimed that the leadership of the Youth Adults Fellowship and the Women’s Conference has actively undermined his administration, hindering the progress of the church’s mission and operations. According to the Bishop, both groups have consistently worked against the interests of the church, creating divisions that he argues go against the foundational values of the United Methodist Church.
The remarks come on the heels of a dramatic turn of events in January, when Bishop Quire took decisive action against the Youth Adults Fellowship leadership. On January 20, Bishop Quire announced the suspension of the fellowship’s leadership, citing “gross misconduct” and “disrespect” as the primary reasons for the suspension. The decision has sparked widespread debate within the church, with some members voicing their support for the Bishop’s actions, while others are questioning the appropriateness of such a severe step.
In his address, Bishop Quire did not mince words, referring to the actions of the suspended leadership as detrimental to the church’s unity and overall mission. He expressed disappointment over what he called a deliberate pattern of misconduct by leaders who should have been role models for the church’s younger generation. “We cannot allow individuals or groups to act in ways that contradict the very principles of our faith,” the Bishop asserted.
The suspension of the Youth Adults Fellowship leadership is just one of many tensions that have been simmering within the Liberia Annual Conference for several months. Sources close to the Bishop revealed that there have been ongoing issues related to the Youth Adults Fellowship’s leadership style, including concerns about transparency and accountability in their dealings. These concerns, combined with what Bishop Quire described as an unwillingness to cooperate with his administration, led to the drastic decision.
But it is not just the Youth Adults Fellowship that has come under fire. Bishop Quire also raised concerns about the Women’s Conference, accusing its leadership of similar behavior. Though no specific individuals were named, the Bishop’s comments were widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the leadership of this key organization within the church.
The Conference Women, which has historically played a vital role in the Liberia Annual Conference, has expressed frustration with the Bishop’s statements. Members of the conference are reportedly seeking clarification on what they perceive as an unfair attack on their leadership. Some have accused Bishop Quire of attempting to centralize power, while others argue that the church’s leadership has become too rigid and unresponsive to the needs of its members.
As tensions continue to rise, the question remains whether these divisions will further fracture the church or lead to a resolution that brings about unity. Church members and leaders alike are calling for open dialogue, with many hoping that the rift between the Bishop’s administration and the two groups can be bridged before it causes irreversible damage to the church’s mission in Liberia.
Bishop Quire has indicated his willingness to engage in discussions with the leaders of both the Young Adults Fellowship and the Conference Women. However, he has made it clear that any resolution will require a commitment to the core values of the United Methodist Church. The future of the Liberia Annual Conference may depend on the ability of its leadership to come together and resolve the current crisis.
As of now, it remains to be seen whether the leadership of the Young Adults Fellowship and the Conference Women will challenge Bishop Quire’s suspension or if they will comply with his decision. Church members across the country are anxiously watching the situation unfold, as this conflict could have long-term implications for the church’s influence and unity in Liberia.