By Lewis Teah Togba, Sr.
In a decisive move to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation surrounding regionalization and its impact on the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC), the Department of Communications held a one-day strategic workshop for its staff. The goal? To equip broadcasters and writers with the tools necessary to communicate the truth about regionalization and dispel the falsehoods circulating within the church and the wider community.
With the LAC UMC’s Annual Conference set for February 2025, this workshop could not have been more crucial. The church faces ongoing attacks, particularly the misleading claims that regionalization supports same-sex marriage and that the LAC UMC is a “gay church.” These lies have been amplified by factions seeking to lead the LAC UMC towards disaffiliation and alignment with the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
The Power of Truth
Opening the workshop, Fth. P. EmMersyn Harris, Director of Connectional Ministries, underscored the importance of the Department of Communications in spreading factual information about regionalization. He emphasized that the leadership of the LAC UMC, including Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr. is firmly committed to remaining a part of the UMC and continuing the church’s mission based on biblical teachings and Christian values.
“Regionalization,” Fth. Harris clarified, “is about giving the church greater autonomy in how it operates within its unique cultural and legal contexts, not about changing our core beliefs or condoning practices that go against our faith.” His remarks resonated with the participants, who were eager to understand how they could effectively counter the rumors spreading within the church community.
Equipping the Frontline Communicators
The workshop, spearheaded by Fth. Lewis Teah Togba, Sr., Director of the Department of Communications, was designed to help communications staff gain a deeper understanding of regionalization and the outcomes of the 2024 General Conference. Togba emphasized that the training would enable them to provide clearer, factual messaging to the church’s members.
“This is about clarity,” Togba said. “As communicators, we have a responsibility to ensure our messages are truthful and aligned with the church’s values. We must debunk the myths and lies, particularly those surrounding the false notion that regionalization supports same-sex marriage.”
He further explained that the regionalization model allows different regions of the UMC to adapt their governance and worship practices to reflect local cultures and laws, but does not alter the core doctrines of the church. The focus is on enhancing ministry and mission work, particularly in Africa, while maintaining unity within the global church.
Keynote: Dispelling the Myths
One of the workshop’s highlights was the presentation by Brother Jeremiah Swen, former Secretary General of the Commission on Ratification, Reconciliation, and Revitalization. Swen’s keynote address tackled head-on the misinformation campaign aimed at misleading church members about regionalization.
“The idea that regionalization is synonymous with same-sex marriage is a dangerous and false narrative,” Swen said. “Regionalization is about empowering the church in Africa to operate more independently, without being bound by U.S.-centric governance, but it does not change our theological stance on marriage, which remains rooted in the union between a man and a woman.”
Swen outlined the long-term benefits of regionalization for African churches, noting that it allows for greater focus on local ministry needs and cultural contexts, while still keeping the African church connected to the global UMC. He also highlighted that regionalization empowers churches in Africa to create their own regional Book of Discipline and develop ministry practices that align with local laws and customs.
Preparing for the 2025 Annual Conference
As the Liberia Annual Conference approaches in February 2025, where delegates from across Liberia and Guinea will vote on the regionalization legislation, the stakes are high. This vote will determine the future direction of the LAC UMC and its place within the global United Methodist Church.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for all communications staff to use their platforms—whether on-air or in writing—to spread the truth about regionalization and counter the disinformation campaigns. “We have the power to shape the narrative,” Togba said. “Let’s ensure that our church members are well-informed and prepared for the decisions that will be made at the Annual Conference.”
A United Church Moving Forward
The workshop provided participants with the knowledge and confidence to confront the challenges ahead. The LAC UMC remains resolute in its mission to serve God and uphold its Christian values, despite external pressures and internal divisions.
As the countdown to the February 2025 Annual Conference begins, the Department of Communications is ready to lead the charge, armed with the truth about regionalization and the unwavering commitment to keep the church united.
The future of the LAC UMC is bright, with regionalization offering a path to greater autonomy, ministry expansion, and continued adherence to the biblical principles that have guided the church for generations. And with the Communications team at the forefront, the truth will prevail.