By Grace Q. Bryant
Two of Liberia’s eminent retired prelates of the United Methodist faith have called on members of the Liberia Annual Conference to uphold the values of peaceful co-existence in the church.
The Retired Bishops of the Liberia Episcopal Area in a joint statement affirmed their commitment to unity, peace, and traditional Christian values in the United Methodist Church saga.
The joint statement was issued and signed by Bishop Arthur Flomo Kulah and Bishop John Genca Innis.
The statement underscores the church’s dedication to traditional marriage, calls for further education on worldwide regionalization, and expresses unwavering support for current Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire.
The retired bishops wrote in their statement, “As retired bishops we are compelled by the Spirit of God to address the current state of our church.”
The retired bishops reaffirmed their commitment to traditional Christian teachings, particularly regarding marriage.
“We uphold the sacredness of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, consistent with biblical teachings, Liberian cultural traditions, and our laws,” they stated.
They expressed a clear stance against same-sex marriage, underscoring that such practices have never been recognized by the United Methodist Church of Liberia.
This statement aligns with the broader stance of many African churches in response to debates around marriage and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the global United Methodist Church, emphasizing the bishops’ commitment to longstanding beliefs shared by their congregation.
The retired bishops endorsed the General Conference’s 2020/2024 decision to implement worldwide regionalization, a framework allowing churches to tailor ministries to local cultural and social contexts.
They clarified that this move is not intended to alter the church’s traditional views on marriage but rather to support context-specific ministry noting, “We endorse worldwide regionalization to develop resources that reflect our needs and circumstances.”
They urged the Liberian United Methodist community to view regionalization as an opportunity for growth and relevance, not as a departure from foundational beliefs, encouraging members to engage with it constructively.
The retired Bishops furthered expressed support for Bishop Quire, commending his leadership and urging church members to unite under his guidance. With a critical vote on constitutional amendments set for 2025, the retired bishops called on church members to participate peacefully, emphasizing unity and respect within the denomination.
Acknowledging diverse opinions within the church, the bishops advocated for peaceful coexistence, especially for those considering leaving.
They urged those members to depart “in peace, love, and respect for the church’s leadership,” and referenced past separations as a model for respectful disagreement.
They also called for an end to behaviors that could tarnish the church’s reputation, urging clergy to avoid actions that “scandalize” the United Methodist Church’s name, underscoring the importance of unity and integrity in upholding the church’s mission.
The retired bishops encouraged continued education on worldwide regionalization to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its purpose.
They emphasized that regionalization supports the General Conference and Council of Bishops’ mandate, allowing the church to conduct ministry that resonates with local contexts noting, “We encourage ongoing education on worldwide regionalization, tailored to our context to promote understanding as essential to unity.”
As the Liberia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church moves forward, the retired bishops urged members to focus on their shared mission: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
They voiced their hope that the ratification of worldwide regionalization would align with the church’s global vision while honoring Liberia’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage.
The bishops expressed a desire for their words to inspire clarity, unity, love, peace, and guidance within the Liberian United Methodist Church. They invoked God’s grace to help the church fulfill its mission and overcome the challenges ahead.
Bishop Kulah served from 1980 to 2000 while Bishop Innis served from 2000 to 2016, and their testaments are to the enduring values and unity of the United Methodist Church in Liberia amid changing theological landscapes.
