Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The West Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church Responds To Judicial Council Decision
Affirms Commitment To Biblical Standards and Legal Frameworks
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Following the recent Council of Bishops meeting held in Chicago, Illinois, I bring warm greetings and a response to a matter that has drawn significant attention within our Church. During our gathering as Bishops of The United Methodist Church, we received Judicial Council Decision 1516—a ruling that has sparked conversation and concern across our global denomination.
Let me first acknowledge the concerns this decision has raised. I want to clearly state that Judicial Council Decision 1516 does not affect the West Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church or any of its Annual Conferences. I recognize that the decision may cause anxiety, particularly in regions such as ours, where cultural, traditional, and constitutional contexts differ significantly from those in other parts of the world. For this reason, I, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., President of the West Africa Central Conference and Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, finds it necessary to offer clarification to the people called United Methodist Church and the public.
Judicial Council Decision 1516 reaffirms the longstanding principle that pastors have the authority to determine the use of church property for religious services, including marriage ceremonies. It also upholds the provision in ¶341.3 of the Book of Discipline, which states: “No clergy at any time may be required or compelled to perform, or prohibited from performing, any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple, including same-sex couples. All clergy have the right to exercise and preserve their conscience when requested to perform any marriage, union, or blessing of any couple.”
As Bishops, we trust that pastors will continue to exercise this authority with pastoral wisdom and sensitivity in other parts of the world, always considering the needs and convictions of their congregations and communities.
It is important to note that this decision does not override the authority granted to Central Conferences under ¶544.15. This provision affirms that Central Conferences have the right to establish standards and policies for marriage ceremonies that reflect the laws and cultural contexts of the Annual Conferences within their jurisdiction. Furthermore, a Central Conference may delegate this authority to its Annual Conferences.
The Liberia Annual Conference and all Annual Conferences within the West Africa Central Conference have exercised this delegated authority and has made their position clear: “Reject same-sex marriage; uphold biblical standards and the laws.”In February and March of this year, the Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church—during their respective annual sessions—endorsed the definition of marriage as introduced by the West Africa Central Conference, the delegate voted defining Marriage as a union between one man and one woman, which is also in accordance with the marriage laws of West African nations.
Therefore, where a Central Conference or its Annual Conferences have established that same-sex marriages are not permitted, no pastor within that conference is authorized to perform such marriages.
The decision of the Judicial Council does not authorize clergy to act contrary to civil law. The United Methodist Church operates in many parts of the world where same-sex marriage is not only controversial but is also prohibited by law. We respect and honor the legal frameworks of our countries and urge all pastors, members, and the public to do the same.
As your Bishop and president of the West Africa Central Conference, I appeal to every member of the Liberia Annual Conference and all Annual Conferences under my jurisdiction to remain committed to prayer, unity, mutual respect, and faithfulness to our shared mission. We are a global Church—diverse in culture and context—yet called to be one in Christ. Despite our challenges, let us remain focused on our mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
May these clarifying remarks bring peace and understanding as we move forward together in grace and truth.
In Christ’s service,
Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.
Resident Bishop, Liberia Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church, Liberia Episcopal Area
President, College of Bishops
West Africa Central Conference
Media Contact:
Bro. Charles Gbayor
Press Secretary to Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.
The United Methodist Church – Liberia Annual Conference
+231-772-337-852 / +231-881-356-292
gbayorcharles08@gmail.com