By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News Monrovia
Sinkor, Monrovia – The Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church/Liberia Annual Conference, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr has disclosed that disaffiliation with the church properties is not applicable and will not be allowed by those wanting to leave the church.
Bishop Quire statement follows several districts and churches’ attempts to disaffiliate, with some even withholding church properties in what they term as a protest against what they consider “evil and same-sex regionalization.”
In a strong statement to the press, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church/Liberia Annual Conference, made it clear that disaffiliation with church properties is not permitted and will not be accepted under his leadership. This pronouncement comes in the wake of ongoing efforts by certain churches and districts to sever ties with the UMC Liberia Conference.
“I want to inform these churches and districts that they are totally out of order,” Bishop Quire said. “The decision by the General Conference in May was that paragraph 2553, which was created during the special session in 2016, expired on December 31st, 2023. This means that the legal route for disaffiliation through this paragraph is no longer applicable. Any individual member of the church is free to leave, but a group of persons, a district conference, or an annual conference cannot leave the denomination. “Bishop Quire explained.
The bishop’s statement is in direct response to the actions of several churches and districts, such as the Weala and Gompa districts, New Georgia UMC, 72nd UMC, J.E. Marshall, Refuge, New Life, and E.D. McGill, all of which have filed communications of disaffiliation with the central office of the UMC Liberia. These groups have also made it clear that they will not attend the 192nd Session of the Liberia Annual Conference, which is was held from the 11 of February 11-17 2025, to take place at the Gymnasium of the Gbarnga School of Theology in Bong County.
The underlying reason for the breakaway movements is their opposition to the regionalization plan, which they argue is tied to the church’s endorsement of same-sex marriage. In their statements, these districts and churches have expressed strong condemnation of what they describe as “demonic” regionalization, claiming that it is a thinly veiled attempt to promote same-sex marriage, a position they view as incompatible with their Christian values.
Despite the claims from the breakaway groups, Bishop Quire emphasized that the United Methodist Church in Liberia does not support same-sex marriage and will not entertain such a position. “The United Methodist Church is not a gay church, and it will never be,” Quire asserted. He referenced his earlier remarks from 2004, where he stated, “I will not license anyone to hell,” reaffirming his opposition to any practices he sees as contrary to the church’s traditional teachings.
The bishop’s comments underscore the broader issue of doctrinal division within the global United Methodist Church (UMC). In recent years, the UMC has been grappling with internal disagreements over issues such as same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. While some UMC leaders have pushed for more inclusive policies, others have resisted, leading to growing tensions that have spilled over into regional conferences, including Liberia’s.
Bishop Quire further clarified the stance on church properties. “Disaffiliation with the United Methodist properties is not applicable and will not be accepted under my watch,” he stated firmly. “If they want to leave the church, they can leave, but they should leave the UMC properties behind. You know how you came, and you can leave that way. You don’t have to make noise about doing that.”
Among the more notable sites is the 72nd UMC, which, according to rumors, has been repainted and prepared with the intention of being converted into the headquarters of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Liberia. The GMC, a conservative breakaway denomination.
The dispute over property rights has now become a focal point of the larger conflict between the UMC and breakaway factions. Some observers suggest that the conflict is less about theological differences and more about control of church assets and land.
In a broader context, the struggle within the UMC Liberia is part of a global conversation about the future of the denomination. As churches and districts around the world wrestle with issues of theology, tradition, and inclusivity, many are left questioning whether the global church will be able to remain united or whether it will fracture into separate factions, each with its own interpretation of Christian doctrine and practice.
For now, Bishop Quire remains resolute in his defense of UMC Liberia’s property and doctrinal integrity. “I will protect the church and its assets from intruders seeking to claim UMC properties and damage the church’s image,” he declared. “The United Methodist Church in Liberia will continue to stand firm in its beliefs, and we will not be moved by those seeking to divide us.”
The outcome of this ongoing dispute will likely have significant ramifications for the future of the United Methodist Church in Liberia and beyond. As the denomination navigates these difficult issues, church leaders, members, and communities will be watching closely to see whether a path to reconciliation can be found, or if further fragmentation is inevitable.
As the 192nd Annual Session of the Liberia Annual Conference approaches, all eyes will be on the UMC Liberia’s leadership and its ability to maintain unity amid the grow.