Published: April 17, 2025
MONROVIA — The president of Liberia’s United Methodist Women, Dr. Muriel V. Nelson, has abruptly resigned, denouncing the church’s endorsement of same-sex marriage and accusing its leadership of spiritual betrayal, internal power grabs, and a calculated effort to undermine women’s authority.
In a formal letter dated March 6, 2025, Dr. Nelson announced her decision to dissociate from the United Methodist Church (UMC) and its women’s leadership structure, citing what she called irreconcilable differences with the denomination’s recent policy changes on human sexuality and church governance.
“I have prayerfully decided to separate myself from the Rebranded United Methodist Church,” Dr. Nelson wrote, referencing a growing rift within the global UMC over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage. “Our souls, our salvation, and our faith supersede all material offers.”
Dr. Nelson’s resignation stems from decisions taken during the 2020/2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, which officially sanctioned same-sex marriages, redefined traditional marriage doctrines, and authorized the ordination of clergy in same-sex relationships. The resolutions, which have divided congregations across the world, have also been met with strong resistance from conservative factions in Africa and beyond.
“These decisions have caused divisions within the church and separated the women into many factions, including BeUMC, IMC, and GMC,” Nelson noted, referencing emerging breakaway Methodist movements reacting to the church’s evolving stance.
Criticism of UMC Leadership
Nelson’s letter didn’t stop at theological concerns. She leveled sharp criticism at the leadership of the Liberia Episcopal Area, particularly Resident Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., accusing him of supporting what she called “strange changes” within the denomination.
“Bishop Quire has refused to directly address the critical concerns we raised during the 192nd Annual Session,” she stated. Nelson further alleged that the bishop’s office orchestrated a “so-called complaint” against the women’s leadership by “misleading signatories” in an attempt to suppress dissent and assert control over women’s work in the church.
Leadership Disputes and Accusations
A major point of contention was the appointment of Sis. Taryonnoh Doe as the new Directress of Women’s Work — a move Nelson described as illegitimate and in direct violation of the women’s organizational autonomy.
“She was previously suspended for acts of insubordination and undermining the women’s structure,” Nelson said, implying that Doe’s reinstatement was part of a broader strategy by church leadership to seize control of women’s assets, offices, and finances.
In her resignation letter, Nelson accused the bishop and the Board of Trustees of prioritizing property and monetary control over spiritual leadership.
“You and the Board of Trustees have shown more interest in taking over the women’s property and money than investing in human development and spiritual growth,” she charged.
She also claimed that the United Methodist Women’s office was forcibly locked and barred “with planks” while leaders were away on official assignments. She warned that the bishop’s office would be held responsible for what she termed an “illegal and uncalled-for” action.
Women Urged to Choose Sides
In a follow-up statement to the Liberia Annual Conference and the West Africa Central Conference, Nelson reiterated that the United Methodist Women’s Organization operates autonomously and is not subject to external leadership appointments or suspensions. She made it clear that her resignation was not a response to any disciplinary action.
“Our decision is not based upon any fake or illegitimate suspension, but purely and prayerfully on our conviction,” she wrote.
As part of the transition, Nelson announced that all chat rooms, communication forums, and organizational platforms created under the traditional United Methodist Church will remain active until April 30, 2025. She said this window will allow women to decide their future path — whether to remain with the rebranded UMC or move to emerging denominations like the Independent Methodist Church (IMC) or the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
“There is no room for sitting on the fence,” she cautioned. “Those who prefer to remain with BeUMC or move to other denominations must make their choices accordingly.”
Nelson’s resignation comes amid a looming split within the global United Methodist Church — the result of years of internal conflict between progressive and conservative factions over LGBTQ+ inclusion, biblical interpretation, and centralized governance.
While the UMC in the United States has moved toward affirming same-sex marriage and inclusive ordination, many congregations in Africa, including Liberia, have pushed back, insisting on adherence to traditional Christian doctrine.
The fallout has led to the formation of several breakaway denominations globally, including the Global Methodist Church, which promotes conservative teachings and disapproves of the recent reforms.
As one of Liberia’s most vocal female leaders within the UMC, Nelson’s departure is likely to deepen the rift among Methodist women and further polarize the debate over the church’s future direction.
In closing her letter, Nelson reaffirmed her commitment to ministry, pledging to continue serving “women, children, and youth in peace,” albeit under a new denominational banner.
“Not for ourselves but for others,” she said.
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