The United Methodist Church in Liberia is facing a deepening schism, marked by dramatic clashes and forceful evictions, stemming from disagreements over same-sex marriage and the church’s new regionalization law. The conflict escalated on Sunday, March 2, 2025, as breakaway factions, now identifying as the Global Methodist Church, resisted attempts by the United Methodist Church leadership to evict them from church properties and install new pastors. These clashes, witnessed across several locations including the 72nd Methodist Church in Monrovia, N.B. Whitfield United Methodist Church in Buchanan, and Ganta United Methodist Church in Nimba County, highlight the entrenched divisions within the denomination. The breakaway factions, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, vehemently oppose the UMC’s stance on same-sex marriage, arguing it contradicts biblical teachings and Liberia’s constitution. The resistance has been met with police intervention, resulting in tear gas deployments, arrests, and allegations of property damage, further exacerbating the tensions.
At the heart of this conflict lies the interpretation of religious doctrine and its intersection with societal norms. The Global Methodist Church faction views the acceptance of same-sex marriage as a fundamental betrayal of Christian principles and a moral transgression. They accuse the UMC leadership, specifically Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of the Liberia Annual Conference, of reneging on previous agreements to resist the regionalization policy that allows for same-sex unions. This policy shift has driven a wedge between the two factions, with the Global Methodists determined to uphold what they perceive as the true teachings of the Bible, even at the risk of confrontation and potential violence. They believe the UMC’s embrace of LGBTQ+ rights represents a dangerous departure from traditional Christian values and poses a threat to the moral fabric of society.
The situation is further complicated by the perceived inaction of the Liberian government, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boaka. The government’s silence in the face of escalating religious tensions has drawn criticism from the Global Methodist Church, who accuse the authorities of waiting for a bloody outcome before intervening. This perceived lack of action adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation, potentially fueling further distrust and animosity between the opposing factions. The lack of government intervention also raises concerns about the protection of religious freedom and the state’s role in mediating religious disputes.
The clashes between the two factions have extended beyond Monrovia, affecting various locations throughout Liberia. In Ganta, Nimba County, worshippers at the Miller McAllister United Methodist Church, now under the control of the Global Methodists, have vowed to defend their control of the church building against any attempts by the UMC to reclaim it. The presence of armed police officers, deployed by the government to protect church properties, underscores the high stakes involved and the potential for further unrest. The spread of these conflicts to other regions underscores the widespread nature of the schism and the challenge of finding a peaceful resolution.
The specific incident in Ganta involving Rev. Eblezener Belleh, a former District Superintendent who joined the Global Methodist faction, highlights the potential for individual acts to escalate the broader conflict. The alleged discovery of a cutlass on Rev. Belleh, though disputed by him, has been cited as a potential threat against security officers, further straining the already tense relationship between the breakaway faction and law enforcement. This localized incident reveals the complex interplay of personal convictions, group dynamics, and the potential for violence, underscoring the urgent need for de-escalation and dialogue.
The renaming of churches, such as the Sanniquellie First United Methodist Church to Sanniquellie Global Methodist Church by Pastor Stanley K. Manbah, symbolizes the solidifying division within the denomination. This act, representing a formal break from the United Methodist Church, highlights the depth of the schism and the determination of the Global Methodists to establish their own independent identity. It also underscores the difficulty of reconciliation and the likelihood of a long-term separation between the two groups. The situation in Liberia reflects a broader global trend within the United Methodist Church, grappling with similar divisions over LGBTQ+ issues in various countries. The events unfolding in Liberia represent a microcosm of this larger struggle, with the potential to influence other regions and further fracture the global denomination. The escalating tensions and violent clashes underscore the urgent need for dialogue, mediation, and a concerted effort to find a peaceful resolution to this complex religious divide. The future of the United Methodist Church in Liberia remains uncertain, hanging in the balance as the two factions continue their struggle for control and legitimacy.
