Published: March 12, 2025
CAPITOL HILL – As tensions flare within Liberia’s Methodist Church, Maryland County Senator and Acting Chair of the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs, J. Gbleh-bo Brown, has urged his colleagues to refrain from making public comments that could derail ongoing mediation efforts.
The recent rift within the Methodist Church escalated following the 192nd Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Gbarnga, Bong County. Led by Bishop Jerry Kulah, a breakaway faction has severed ties with the Unity Methodist Church, aligning instead with the Global Methodist Church (GMC), an international denomination founded in the United States.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations from Bishop Kulah and his followers that the UMC, under Bishop Samuel Quire’s leadership, has strayed from traditional biblical teachings by endorsing same-sex marriage. The UMC has been labeled a “gay church” by its critics, sparking widespread division among its members in Liberia.
In response to the escalating conflict, the Liberian Senate has stepped in, inviting representatives from both factions, along with the Minister of Justice and Liberia National Police officials, to a hearing aimed at resolving the issue. The Joint Senate Committee on Internal Affairs, Judiciary, Claims, Human Rights & Petitions, and Defense, Security, Intelligence & Veteran Affairs has been tasked with leading the mediation.
Senator Brown’s Call for Senate Neutrality
Delivering an initial report, Senator Brown emphasized the need for Senate unity and urged fellow lawmakers to avoid statements that could inflame tensions or compromise mediation efforts.
“Madam Pro-Temp and colleagues, while the Committee is making diligent efforts to mediate this situation, we call on other members of the Senate to refrain from making statements on this issue,” Brown cautioned.
Progress and Challenges in Mediation
Senator Brown recounted that the first hearing took place on March 7, 2025, with the participation of Justice Minister representatives, police officials, and Bishop Kulah of the GMC. However, Bishop Quire was notably absent.
“The Joint Committee was able to de-escalate tensions between the two parties and ensure the neutrality of the police in this matter,” Brown noted.
Following the hearing, the Committee recommended that both factions be allowed to conduct peaceful worship services in their respective churches across the country. While the GMC agreed to this resolution, the absence of Bishop Quire complicated efforts to secure UMC’s formal acceptance. The Committee dispatched three members to meet with him, but he was unavailable due to bereavement.
Brown revealed that two official communications have since been sent to both factions, outlining the Senate’s recommendations.
Next Steps Amid Internal Senate Disagreement
Senator Brown announced plans for another hearing aimed at further de-escalating tensions and forging a clear path toward resolution.
“Once both parties agree to this approach, we will formulate a plan of action to be submitted to the Plenary, with the hope that all involved will participate,” he explained.
However, not all senators agree with the Committee’s approach. Sinoe County Senator Crayton O. Duncan criticized the mediation efforts, arguing that they fail to address the core issue—the alleged endorsement of same-sex marriage.
“We didn’t ask him [Sen. Brown] to de-escalate,” Duncan asserted. “We informed him that what these people were doing—allegedly endorsing same-sex marriage—was against our Constitution.”
In defense of Brown’s efforts, Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence stressed that mediation is the first step toward resolving conflicts. She urged Senator Duncan to allow the process to unfold before passing judgment on its outcome.
Discussion about this post