Published: May 30, 2025
GANTA — The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, has ruled that both the Global United Methodist and United Methodist Church factions have equal rights to all real properties under the United Methodist Church/Liberia Annual Conference (UMC/LAC) in the Gompa District Conference.
The ruling comes after a protracted legal battle between the two groups over ownership of the Ganta Mission Station. The conflict began in March 2024, when the United Methodist faction filed a writ of summary proceedings to recover possession of church property, claiming that breakaway members of the Global United Methodist Church had no legal right to assets after disassociating from the parent body.
On March 24, 2025, representatives of the Ganta Methodist Mission, including Henry N. Brunson and Eliza D.J. Kronyanh, filed a seven-count petition seeking recovery of the property. In response, the Global United Methodist Church, represented by Revs. Ebenezer Belleh, James Y. Korloblee, and Jerry N. Kandea, filed an eight-count answer and a six-count motion to dismiss the complaint.
The plaintiffs later filed a five-count reply, admitting that issues of alleged fraud and deception raised in the case fell within the jurisdiction of a jury and could not be decided by the court alone.
Following arguments from both sides, Resident Judge Pape Suah dismissed the motion for summary proceedings filed by the United Methodist Church. In his ruling, he granted both parties equal ownership rights to all properties under the Gompa District Conference.
Lingering Questions Over Identity and Naming
Although the ruling provides a legal resolution to property ownership, it leaves unresolved the question of the church’s identity. Members of the Global United Methodist Church have already erected signage bearing their denomination’s name and logo at the Ganta Mission Station, raising concerns over the continued use of traditional names such as Miller McAllister United Methodist Church, Ganta United Methodist Hospital, and Ganta United Methodist High School.
The Methodist Church in Liberia has been grappling with internal turmoil for more than a year, triggered by a global debate over same-sex marriage within the church. Tensions flared in March 2024 when Bishop Samuel Quire, leader of the Liberia Annual Conference, was chased from the Ganta compound by angry church members who opposed his scheduled meeting to discuss decisions made at the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in the United States.
That conference saw the global church repeal its 40-year ban on LGBTQ clergy, redefining marriage as a union between “two consenting adults” regardless of gender. Many members in Liberia rejected the decision, viewing it as contrary to biblical teachings.
Escalating Tensions and Division
The conflict escalated when Bishop Quire suspended the Gompa District Superintendent and other officials, further fueling resentment. Defiant pastors and congregants repeatedly disrupted church services, stormed church properties, and staged protests at both the hospital and the high school in Ganta.
Attempts to quell tensions have largely failed, with each side remaining entrenched in its position. However, some churchgoers hope the court’s ruling will lead to a peaceful resolution and bring an end to the long-running feud.
Sunday, June 1, is expected to be a pivotal moment, marking the first worship service following the court’s decision. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the two factions can coexist under a shared legal framework—or whether further disputes will emerge.
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