By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News
Monrovia, Liberia – In a firm statement that continues to draw attention across the church and wider society, the Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., reiterated that the church will not conduct weddings or ordain individuals who are self-avowed, practicing homosexuals, whether or not the proposed regionalization plan is ratified.
Bishop Quire’s words, which reflect the church’s traditional stance on marriage and ordination, were made clear during a recent public address, reinforcing the Liberia Annual Conference’s commitment to upholding biblical teachings as understood by the denomination.
“Whether Regionalization is ratified or not, The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will not wed or ordain anyone who is a self-avowed, practicing homosexual,” Bishop Quire asserted. “The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is traditional in its interpretation of the Holy Scriptures—scriptures that contain both Old and New Testaments—and will continue its evangelistic outreach to all persons who live in darkness and do not know the redemptive grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
He continued by emphasizing that the church’s mission is to extend scriptural holiness to all, calling on the grace of God to lead people to salvation and transformation. “We will continue to extend scriptural holiness to all persons by the amazing grace of God,” Bishop Quire affirmed.
The debate surrounding same-sex marriage and the ordination of homosexuals remains a point of contention within the global United Methodist Church, and the decision by some annual conferences to ratify regionalization, which is expected to be discussed at the General Conference in 2028, has only intensified these discussions. Regionalization refers to a proposal that would allow regional conferences within the global UMC to handle certain issues autonomously, particularly those related to theological and cultural differences, such as the stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
While the debate over regionalization continues, Bishop Quire clarified that the Liberia Annual Conference’s position on issues like marriage and ordination is unwavering. In fact, during the 192nd session of the Liberia Annual Conference, which was held in Gbarnga City, Bong County, members voted to endorse the West Africa Central Conference’s definition of marriage. The resolution defines marriage within the Liberia Annual Conference as a union between one man and one woman, reinforcing the traditional understanding of marriage upheld by the UMC.
Bishop Quire reiterated the core mission of the United Methodist Church, citing the biblical mandate given by Jesus Christ. “Our mission at the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of all nations; to baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey all that (God) has commanded us,” he stated. This statement underscores the church’s focus on evangelism and discipleship while adhering to traditional Christian doctrine on marriage and sexual ethics.
While affirming the traditional stance, Bishop Quire also acknowledged the existence of diverse opinions within the larger United Methodist Church. However, he maintained that despite differing views on certain issues, the mission of the Liberia Annual Conference remains unchanged. “It is true that there are differences of opinions and convictions across our denomination, but the mission of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church remains the same,” he said. “We are committed to the ministry of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and offering salvation to all.”
In a pointed warning to the clergy and lay members of the church, Bishop Quire cautioned against actions that could undermine the authority and unity of the church. He called on clergy and laity alike to refrain from undermining the ministry of The United Methodist Church, stressing that any such actions would be considered a chargeable offense. “I want to caution all clergy members, as well as lay persons of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, to refrain from undermining the ministry of The United Methodist Church,” Bishop Quire warned. “Undermining the ministry of the church or the ministry of other clergy is a chargeable offense that is being enforced for the sake of maintaining the order of the church.”
Bishop Quire also addressed what he described as a potential misunderstanding about the church’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. “The United Methodist Church is NOT A GAY CHURCH!” he exclaimed. “It is a strong church of God, administering to sinners who are in need of the saving knowledge and grace of God! It is a worldwide denomination that is making a significant impact on our world.”
His statement serves as a clear reminder that the UMC, particularly in Liberia, remains committed to its doctrinal beliefs while continuing to offer grace, healing, and transformation to those who seek it, regardless of their background or struggles. Bishop Quire reinforced that the church would continue to minister to those living outside the faith, inviting them to experience the redemptive power of Christ’s love.
Bishop Quire’s stance is aligned with the broader church’s current position, which has generated significant discussion in various conferences around the world. While some regional bodies, particularly in the United States and Western countries, have moved toward greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in ministry and marriage, other parts of the church, including in Africa, hold to a more traditional interpretation of biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality.
The ongoing debate within the global United Methodist Church has led to division and deepening polarization. However, Bishop Quire remains resolute in maintaining the unity and biblical faithfulness of the Liberia Annual Conference. His statement emphasizes that the church will continue to uphold the teachings of scripture while fostering a welcoming and transformative space for all who seek Christ, without compromising its doctrinal integrity.
As the discussion surrounding regionalization and LGBTQ+ issues continues to unfold globally, it remains clear that the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, under Bishop Quire’s leadership, will stay committed to its traditional position on marriage, ordination, and the biblical understanding of sexuality