On November 25, 2024, the United Methodist Church (UMC) announced the suspension of Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah, the Vice President at the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Professional Studies at United Methodist University (UMU). This action was taken following recommendations from an investigative committee and the Church Counsel of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Rev. Kulah faces multiple allegations that accuse him of undermining the core teachings, unity, and policies of the UMC, primarily in connection with his involvement in the Global Methodist Church (GMC), a conservative breakaway group opposed to same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy.
The specific charges against Rev. Kulah include the violation of Paragraph 2702.1 (c, d, e, & f) of the UMC’s Discipline, which addresses behavior harmful to the church and its teachings. Notably, he is alleged to have prioritized policies from the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the GMC over those outlined in the UMC’s 2016 Book of Discipline. Furthermore, church officials have linked him to various activities purportedly contravening UMC teachings, including his role as a coordinator for GMC initiatives, notably with the Mt. Horeb Global Methodist Church, which officially disaffiliated from the UMC in May 2022.
The ongoing investigation has revealed that Rev. Kulah allegedly oversees projects funded by GMC-related entities that operate under the GMC banner in Liberia, actions the UMC claims are in direct violation of its policies. Reports suggest that he was involved in the formation of strategies aimed at encouraging the disaffiliation of African churches from the UMC during a meeting in Nairobi in September 2023. This meeting purportedly sought to create independent conferences and elect new bishops aligned with GMC beliefs, further deepening divisions within the church.
In addition to the specific allegations regarding his involvement with the GMC, Rev. Kulah’s affiliation with the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA), a group characterized as supporting divisive initiatives, has also raised concerns. UMC leaders have criticized him for allegedly spreading misinformation about the church and for his role in the Africa Initiative, which has been acknowledged by UMC bishops as contributing to a climate of division. This pattern of alleged behavior is seen as detrimental to the church’s commitment to unity, particularly amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions within the UMC community in Africa.
As a consequence of his suspension, Rev. Dr. Kulah is prohibited from performing any preaching, teaching, counseling, or representation on behalf of the UMC. He has also been instructed to return all properties associated with the UMC and the UMU while being limited to collecting personal belongings. The UMC has made clear that this decisive action reflects its commitment to integrity and accountability in its leadership, along with a complete adherence to due process principles.
In the wake of Rev. Kulah’s suspension, the UMU has taken steps to ensure educational continuity. Dr. George Weagbe has been appointed as the new Vice President of the Graduate School, and the university administration has sought to reassure students and faculty regarding the stability of academic and administrative activities. Students have been explicitly advised against attending unauthorized meetings arranged by Rev. Kulah, emphasizing the institution’s governance framework over personal authority. Meanwhile, the investigation into the allegations against him remains active, with the UMC promising to provide updates as the situation develops.
