The Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church (S.T. Nagbe UMC) in Monrovia, Liberia, finds itself embroiled in a heated conflict with the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) over the church’s stance on same-sex marriage. The dispute, sparked by the 2024 General Conference’s amendment to the Book of Discipline redefining marriage, has escalated dramatically with the LAC’s decision to close the S.T. Nagbe UMC sanctuary, a move the congregation vehemently opposes. The church leadership views the closure as unjust and retaliatory, arguing that it violates established protocols and disregards their right to adhere to their interpretation of biblical teachings. They assert that the accusations of disrupted worship and hostile behavior are baseless and serve as a pretext for silencing their dissent against the new marriage definition.

At the heart of the conflict lies the congregation’s unwavering rejection of the amended definition of marriage, which now includes same-sex unions. The S.T. Nagbe UMC leadership contends that this change contradicts scripture and clashes sharply with Liberia’s cultural and legal understanding of marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman. They accuse the LAC of circumventing the theological and legal ramifications of the amendment by deferring to a non-binding resolution from African Regional Conference bishops. This resolution, while reaffirming traditional marriage in principle, also commits to upholding the global church’s decisions, a stance the congregation considers both inadequate and misleading. They emphasize that the Book of Discipline holds ultimate authority within the denomination and cannot be superseded by any resolution.

The congregation’s frustration is further fueled by what they perceive as a lack of transparency and due process from the LAC. They criticize the Conference for failing to provide a clear pathway for churches seeking disaffiliation, a route already chosen by thousands of congregations worldwide following the 2024 General Conference. The S.T. Nagbe UMC feels marginalized and silenced, their concerns dismissed by a hierarchical structure they believe is prioritizing conformity over theological dialogue and congregational autonomy. This clash between local interpretation of scripture and the global church’s evolving stance on marriage has placed the S.T. Nagbe UMC in a precarious position, caught between their deeply held beliefs and their denominational affiliation.

In response to the sanctuary closure, the S.T. Nagbe UMC has issued three unequivocal demands to Bishop Quire and the LAC: an immediate reversal of the closure order, the initiation of genuine dialogue towards a biblically sound and amicable resolution, and respect for the conscience of congregations that reject the new marriage definition. They have also appealed to the Liberian government to protect the rights of worshipping communities under national law. This reflects a broader concern about religious freedom and the right of congregations to maintain their theological integrity without fear of reprisal from denominational authorities.

The S.T. Nagbe UMC, a long-standing pillar of the Monrovia community, has vowed to continue its religious services, maintain its commitment to the Gospel, and defend what it considers the unwavering truth of the Bible. Despite the ongoing conflict, they express a willingness to engage in open and honest dialogue, emphasizing their commitment to finding a resolution that respects their beliefs while maintaining a connection to the broader Methodist community. The church’s leadership, representing various segments of the congregation, has united in this stance, emphasizing the depth of their conviction and the collective nature of their resistance.

The situation at S.T. Nagbe UMC underscores the complex and often painful divisions within faith communities grappling with evolving social and theological landscapes. This particular conflict highlights the challenges faced by churches in reconciling traditional interpretations of scripture with changing societal norms, particularly surrounding issues like same-sex marriage. The case also raises questions about the balance of power between denominational authorities and individual congregations, and the extent to which dissenting voices can be accommodated within a larger faith tradition. The future of S.T. Nagbe UMC and its relationship with the LAC remains uncertain, but their stand highlights the ongoing struggle for religious autonomy and the right to interpret faith according to conscience.

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