By: Shammah Dorbor | UMC News

Dr. Tolbert Nyenswah, the lay leader of the United Methodist Church, has cautioned individuals against falsely claiming that the church endorses same-sex marriages, stressing that such misinformation is misleading and damaging to the church’s integrity. Dr. Nyenswah noted that these claims serve only the personal agendas of those spreading them.

Dr. Nyenswah emphasized that the United Methodist Church does not support same-sex marriage, as it stands by biblical principles, which form the foundation of its teachings.

He explained that the church is structured similarly to a three-branch government, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He clarified that, during the General Conference held in the United States, the church’s bishop does not possess voting rights; only delegates can vote on issues. The bishop’s role is limited to an observational capacity. The conference, which convenes every four years, focuses on potential changes to the Book of Discipline, not the Bible, as some rumors suggest.

Dr. Nyenswah outlined the church’s foundation on four key pillars: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, principles that guide its policies and practices. He reaffirmed that the Book of Discipline, established in 1972, remains central to Methodist doctrine and is upheld strictly by church legislators.

Referring to past misinformation during the Ebola crisis, Dr. Nyenswah cautioned against the spread of false narratives, equating these actions with the harm caused by such rumors in times of crisis.

In closing, he urged the congregation and the public to disregard claims that Bishop Samuel J. Quire signed any documents endorsing same-sex marriage, describing such allegations as “misinformation, disinformation, and myth.”

Dr. Nyenswah reminded the church community of its esteemed legacy, having been the spiritual home for figures such as Liberia’s first President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, former President George Manneh Weah, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh.

Sharing is caring! Please share our posts