Monrovia – Protests broke out today at two United Methodist Churches in Liberia over issues of leadership, church regionalization, and same-sex marriage, disrupting Sunday services.
The protests occurred at the New Georgia United Methodist Church and the 72nd United Methodist Church, both located in the capital, Monrovia.
At the New Georgia United Methodist Church, the simmering discontent boiled over due to the alleged suspension of Rev. Leo T. Mayson by Bishop Samuel Quire. Rev. Mayson, known for his outspoken views against homosexuality and the church’s ongoing regionalization strategy, reportedly faced suspension that his congregation is vehemently contesting.
During the service, protesters vociferously demanded Bishop Quire’s removal. “We will not bow to regionalization or homosexuality in our churches,” declared Jestina Sayon, the Council Chairperson of New Georgia United Methodist Church.
Speculation initially circulated about a same-sex marriage being conducted, which drew additional public attention. However, The Liberian Investigator later gathered from the scene that the assembly was, in fact, a demonstration against Bishop Quire’s decision to appoint a new pastor over the congregation’s objections.
Simultaneously, at the 72nd United Methodist Church, leaders from various church groups including men’s, women’s, and youth ministries, took a radical step by declaring their church’s autonomy from the United Methodist denomination in Liberia. They affirmed their decision to operate independently pending a firm stance from the denomination’s leadership against same-sex marriage.
Tensions intensified when a delegate purportedly sent by Bishop Quire to enforce regional policies faced the ire of the church members. The confrontation resulted in damage to the delegate’s vehicle.
Peace was restored only after the intervention of the Liberia National Police, who dispersed the assembled crowd.
Last week, the president of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves, called for reconciliation within the United Methodist Church.
Following the recent suspension of Pastor Elijah Dajue, who also criticized the church’s progressive stance towards homosexuality, Rev. Reeves emphasized the need for unity and dialogue. “The future of the United Methodist Church depends on our collective commitment to reconciliation,” he stated during a press release.
UMC’s Director of Human Rights, Jefferson Knight, clarified that the suspensions were not a response to anti-homosexuality sermons but were rather due to “repeated disrespect towards church authorities.”
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