By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | Gbarnga-Bong County
In a passionate and heartfelt statement, Dr. Charles S.G Boayue Jr, a renowned Liberian prelate based in Michigan, USA, and a member of the Michigan Annual Conference, has called on those denigrating the United Methodist Church of Liberia to cease their harmful behavior and focus on worshiping God. He reminded the public that Liberia holds a central place in the history of Methodism in Africa, urging all to recognize the church’s foundational importance to the continent.
Rev. Boayue, who has long been a significant voice in the Methodist community, emphasized that Liberia is not only the birthplace of Methodism in Africa but also the land where the church took root and flourished. He pointed specifically to River Mesurado in Montserrado County, describing it as the historical birthplace of Methodism in the region. “When we are discussing the future of the church, we cannot ignore the beginning,” Rev. Boayue said, stressing that the church’s legacy in Liberia should never be undermined.
The Need for Unity and Christian Love
In his remarks, Rev. Boayue expressed deep concern over the division currently plaguing the church, urging the faithful to remember the core tenets of Christianity—particularly love. He reminded the church that Christianity must be practiced according to its “set standard” and that, regardless of where in Africa or the world the church is located, its mission remains unchanged. “We cannot Africanize Christianity,” he stated. “We must practice Christianity with the set standard.”
Rev. Boayue went on to express the powerful role love plays in the Christian faith, stating that without love, one’s faith is meaningless. “If I don’t have love, I am an empty drum making noise,” he said, emphasizing that love must be central to all actions and decisions. The prelate underscored that true Christian love is not about defamation or slander, especially when it comes to speaking against church leaders. “Love is patient, love is kind, love is not lying on the bishop’s name or stoning his vehicle,” he remarked, alluding to recent controversies that have led to violence and misinformation within the church.
Faithfulness Over Length of Service
In his call for a stronger, more unified church, Rev. Boayue also reminded the faithful that what matters most is not the number of years one has spent in service to God, but the faithfulness and productivity of that service. “The years of serving God do not matter, but your faithfulness and being productive in planting seeds,” he explained, calling on all members of the church to remain steadfast and productive in spreading the message of Christ.
Rev. Boayue warned against the growing culture of gossip and backbiting within the church, particularly among Liberians, who he believes are too often quick to speak without understanding the full context. “Many of us Liberians are busybodies; we just go around talking anyhow,” he stated. His message was clear: Instead of engaging in harmful speculation, the church must focus on building up the community in truth and love.
A Call for Respect for Church Leadership
Central to Rev. Boayue’s statement was a strong defense of church leadership, particularly the office of the bishop. He emphasized that it is the bishop’s responsibility to unite the church, not to divide it. “The bishop’s job is to unite the church, no bishop is to scatter the flock,” he declared. The prelate strongly criticized those who have sought to undermine Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., the current leader of the United Methodist Church of Liberia, pointing out that such behavior runs counter to the unity the church so desperately needs.
Despite the ongoing crisis and division within the United Methodist Church of Liberia, Rev. Boayue made it clear that he holds Bishop Quire in the highest regard. “I have tremendous respect for Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. He is a leader with God at heart, he did not scatter the church but held it together,” Boayue said, reaffirming his support for the bishop’s leadership.
Rev. Boayue also reminded those attempting to sow discord that a church can only have one bishop at a time, and that the current time belongs to Bishop Quire. “Churches get one bishop at a time, and this is Bishop Quire’s time; this time is not yours,” he stated firmly, calling on those engaged in the division to accept the leadership in place and move forward in unity.
Addressing the Issue of Greed and Hypocrisy
Rev. Boayue also took the opportunity to address the issue of greed within the church, which he believes is one of the root causes of the current strife. He called out those who steal church money and then turn around to criticize others. “You go around and steal church money, and you want to tell people that they are sinners?” he asked, highlighting the hypocrisy that often exists within the church when its leaders or members prioritize personal gain over the well-being of the community.
He went on to stress that many people in the church are driven by personal ambition and selfishness, using the church as a means to build their own wealth and status. “Many people are selfish Christians because of greed; we take small things, run with it, and build on it,” he said.
A Plea for Reconciliation and Healing
In conclusion, Rev. Boayue’s message was one of reconciliation and healing for the United Methodist Church of Liberia. He called on all members of the church to put aside their differences, embrace the values of love, unity, and faithfulness, and come together to build a stronger, more productive faith community. The future of the church, he believes, depends on the willingness of all to follow the true teachings of Christianity and to respect the leadership that God has put in place.
By focusing on unity, love, and the principles of the faith, Rev. Boayue believes that the United Methodist Church of Liberia can overcome its current challenges and continue to thrive as a beacon of hope for future generations.