By Gbayor Charles Gbayor
Monrovia, Liberia – The Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has handed down a landmark ruling affirming the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) as the legitimate and sole legal owner of all its properties across the country, including churches, schools, health facilities, and universities.
The ruling, delivered by His Honor Judge George W. Smith of the 6th Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court, comes after months of legal battles involving the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and several pastors who broke away from the the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
In his judgment, Judge Smith dismissed the motion to rescind and the resistance filed by the breakaway group, declaring that the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church remains the rightful custodian of all properties under dispute.
“1st and 2nd Respondents have no color of right, title, legal and equitable ownership and interest to any of Petitioner the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church ’s properties — worship centers, universities, primary & secondary schools, hospitals/clinics, among others,” the ruling stated.
The court further emphasized that the respondents, having seceded from and terminated their membership with the (LAC/UMC), forfeited all rights to continue using or benefiting from properties belonging to the church.
Judge Smith explained that under Liberian law, the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is a not-for-profit corporation created by a special act of the Legislature in 1959 and reaffirmed in 1978, thereby exempting it from certain tax and registration requirements. This legal recognition, the court said, strengthens LAC/UMC’s position as the sole lawful body with authority over its properties.
However, the other denomination and its co-respondents have announced an appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia, challenging the Civil Law Court’s decision. Meanwhile, The United Methodist Church has clarified that it has not yet taken control of the properties mentioned in the ruling, pending the outcome of the appeal process.
The judgment was sealed and signed on Monday, August 18, 2025, by Judge George W. Smith.