Published: October 17, 2024
MONROVIA — The former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Bishop Kortu Brown, has urged members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia to remain calm as religious leaders work to resolve the ongoing crisis within the church. The crisis was sparked by unfounded reports of gay marriages allegedly performed at two UMC churches, which led to protests in the New Georgia and 72nd communities on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Bishop Brown revealed that a meeting was held on October 14, 2024, at the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters, prompted by the unrest at the two parishes. “We commended the Inspector General of Police for his intervention and expressed our commitment, on behalf of the larger Christian community, to work alongside the UMC leadership to address the issue,” Brown stated.
During the meeting, Bishop Brown emphasized that the crisis extends beyond the UMC, affecting the entire Christian community in Liberia. He suggested the formation of a committee composed of church leaders, the LCC, and the broader Christian community to engage with the UMC in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
“We are grateful to the UMC Bishop and other church leaders for granting us the audience and are hopeful for constructive engagement moving forward,” Bishop Brown added, attaching a copy of the proposal presented during the meeting.
The unrest occurred after rumors circulated about same-sex marriages being performed at the two UMC parishes. The protests that ensued prompted the Liberia National Police to step in and calm the situation.
Addressing the situation, UMC Resident Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. reiterated the church’s position against same-sex marriage, refuting the allegations that the UMC in Liberia supports such unions. “Despite the decision at the United Methodist Church’s Global Annual Conference, the church in Liberia does not endorse same-sex marriage,” Bishop Quire stressed.
Bishop Quire referenced the United Methodist Church’s General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 23 to May 3, 2024, where delegates voted 692-51 to repeal the church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy. While this marks a significant shift in the church’s global policy, Bishop Quire reaffirmed that the UMC in Liberia maintains its stance against same-sex marriage.
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