By Precious D. Freeman
The United Methodist Church in Liberia, through the Liberia Annual Conference and its Bishop, Samuel J. Quire, has filed a criminal complaint against seven members of the E.D. McGill Global Methodist Church in Old Road, Sinkor.
The complaint, lodged with the Monrovia City Court, alleges criminal trespass and other offenses following the defendants’ refusal to relinquish church leadership after breaking ties with the denomination.
The defendants Rev. Elijah Dajue, Josiah Domah, Emmanuel Dwalu, Victoria Perry, Oretha Domah, Ellington Luogon, Olive McKay, and others yet to be identified are charged with Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Coercion, Menacing, and Felonious Restraint.
According to court documents, the United Methodist Church claims that since February 23, 2025, the accused have forcefully occupied the church, disregarding the authority of newly appointed pastors.
Additionally, they allegedly removed the word “United” from the church’s edifice and destroyed the church’s emblem, causing damages estimated at $310.00.
The dispute arises amid broader tensions within the Methodist Church of Liberia. Some members of the E.D. McGill congregation have publicly opposed what they claim is the Liberia Annual Conference’s alignment with the Global United Methodist Church’s stance on same-sex marriage.
This disagreement appears to have fueled their decision to disassociate from the denomination, leading to the current legal battle.
Bishop Quire contends that the accused have not only refused to hand over church leadership but have also threatened members and disrupted church services, instilling fear among congregants.
In response, the Monrovia City Court issued a writ of arrest for the defendants, ordering their immediate detention and appearance before the court to answer to the charges.
The order, signed by Associate Magistrate Ben Baren, empowers law enforcement to bring the accused before the Temple of Justice for trial.
Despite the charges, the defendants have filed a criminal appearance bond, temporarily securing their release while awaiting a full court hearing.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights a growing rift within Liberia’s Methodist community over theological and administrative issues.
With the defendants maintaining their claim to the E.D. McGill church and the Liberia Annual Conference asserting its authority, the court’s ruling could set a precedent for similar church disputes in the country.
The trial date is yet to be announced.