By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | Monrovia, Liberia

Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), has stated that the UMC will not shield members engaged in same-sex relationships, emphasizing the church’s alignment with cultural, constitutional, and biblical teachings. His remarks came during the launch of an awareness campaign on regionalization at J.J. Roberts United Methodist School in Monrovia.

“If you are arrested by law enforcement for being gay or lesbian, the Church will not protect you. These practices conflict with our traditions, constitution, and the Bible’s teachings,” Bishop Quire asserted. He clarified that the UMC prohibits ordaining or marrying same-sex couples, barring them from preaching or marrying within its congregations.

Regionalization: Autonomy and Unity
The campaign, organized by the Department of Communications with support from UMCOM, aims to educate students and faculty across United Methodist schools in Monrovia, Kakata-Farmington, St. Paul, and Grand Bassa districts. Regionalization, a key UMC governance reform, seeks to grant regional bodies greater autonomy to address local cultural and societal needs while maintaining global unity.

“The world is changing, and so must the church. Regionalization empowers local leaders to make context-driven decisions without compromising our shared faith,” Bishop Quire explained. He highlighted its potential to amplify African voices within the UMC, which currently faces decisions made globally with limited local input.

Implications for Liberia and Africa
Regionalization could enhance self-determination in ministry strategies and administrative policies for Liberia and other African nations. “This ensures our unique challenges and contexts shape the church’s future,” Quire said, urging youth to engage in upcoming discussions ahead of the 192nd UMC Annual Conference in Central Liberia’s Bong County.

Student Engagement and Next Steps
Following the bishop’s address, students and teachers participated in a Q&A session on regionalization’s benefits and challenges. Bishop Quire stressed the need for informed dialogue: “This is our church—we must actively shape its trajectory.”

The event marks the start of a broader initiative to prepare Liberian Methodists for potential structural changes. Similar programs will roll out in other districts, fostering a grassroots understanding of regionalization’s impact

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