By Precious D. Freeman
The Supreme Court has issued an alternative writ of prohibition against the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, the Ministry of Justice, and the Liberia National Police, ordering them to respond by March 27, 2025, to explain why the petitioners’ request should not be granted.
The petitioners, former members of the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville, Montserrado County, seek to prevent the respondents from interfering with their property rights.
They argue that they lawfully purchased the land and constructed the church, which they named the 72nd United Methodist Church.
At the heart of the dispute is the church’s adoption of a new Book of Discipline, which includes controversial changes such as the ordination of gay clergy and the recognition of same-sex marriages.
The petitioners assert that Bishop Quire has imposed these changes on the Liberia Episcopal Area, despite opposition from members.
They further claim that Bishop Quire suspended dissenting members and appointed new pastors to the 72nd United Methodist Church without the congregation’s consent.
The petitioners also allege that their constitutional rights to religious freedom and disassociation were violated when the Ministry of Justice facilitated the transfer of the church property to the Liberia Annual Conference without due process.
In their petition to the Supreme Court, the petitioners requested an order to prevent the respondents from further interference and to restore the status quo prior to the Ministry of Justice’s involvement.
The Supreme Court’s decision to issue the alternative writ of prohibition signals that the matter warrants further judicial review.
The respondents are required to submit their responses by March 27, 2025, after which the court is expected to schedule a hearing to determine the next course of action.
