A SERIES OF violent confrontations erupted yesterday, February 2, 2025, between members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the newly formed Global Methodist Church (GMC) over the ownership of church properties across Liberia.
THE CONFLICT, HOWEVER, led to the arrest of several church members, especially those from the 72nd UMC, now 72nd GMC, including one of the funding pastors of the GMC, Rev. Jerry Kulah, coupled with the damaging of the vehicle belonging to the newly appointed 72nd UMC pastor, Rev. Simon S. Doe.
THE TURMOIL, WHICH came against the backdrop of broader issues within the UMC, including debates over regionalization and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ practices within the church, further witnessed the use of tear gas by police officers to disperse those believed to be members of the GMC.
THE UNITED METHODIST Church-Liberia Annual Conference (UMC-LAC) has been struggling with internal divisions for several months now, primarily over issues related to regionalization and LGBTQ inclusion within the church.
LIBERIAN CODE OF Law Revised Domestic Relations Law – Title 9 states, Marriage is a civil status, a personal relationship arising out of a civil contract between a male and female to mutually assume marital rights, duties and obligations, to which the consent of parties capable of making such a contract is essential; provided further that such marriage is not prohibited by the provisions.
THE CHURCH IS meant to be a sanctuary, a place of healing, a place of meditation and unity, not a battleground for ideological and property disputes, and therefore wisdom and courage should make church leaders to act in the interest of unity and peace.
WE CALL ON the leaders of both groups(UMC/GMC) to urgently come together to find common ground, because according to 2 Corinthians 5:18, God has given us the ministry of reconciliation through Jesus Christ.
IT IS OUR plea to the leaders of all sides to not allow this situation to escalate into a deeper crisis that could threaten both religious harmony and national peace.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL, premised on doctrine in this matter should not be to “win” the dispute, but to find a way forward that allows both the UMC and GMC to coexist peacefully, with respect for one another’s religious beliefs and practices.