The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Liberia, along with Nigeria and South Congo, has declined to support the recent position of the Africa College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church amidst the unresolved issue of human sexuality, especially on the stance of traditional and Biblical view of marriage.
On September 7, 2023, The United Methodist Church of Liberia was represented by Bishop Samuel Quire at the Africa College of Bishops annual meeting in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, but rescinded to signed the four-count resolution, which categorically states that they do not plan to leave the United Methodist Church, and will continue to be shepherds of God’s flock in this worldwide denomination.
The four counts of the Bishops’ resolution states, “Notwithstanding the differences in our UMC regarding the issue of human sexuality especially with our stance of traditional and biblical view of marriage, we categorically state that we do not plan to leave The United Methodist Church and will continue to be shepherds of God’s flock in this worldwide denomination.
“While some of our colleagues and friends have left or intend to leave our UMC, we have prayerfully discerned that we will continue to be part of this denomination which has nurtured us throughout our lives. We will continue to work in ministry with all our brothers and sisters throughout the world, remembering not to forsake the fellowship of our sisters and brothers. We will stay in The United Methodist Church as we continue to do ministry in our context as traditionalist in Africa. In this regard we support the ongoing discussion for regionalism, which would ensure that Africans would be accommodated in the way and manners in which we want to worship the Lord.
“We support the decision by the Council of Bishops to request General Conference sessions in 2026 and 2028. This will be necessary for smooth transitioning as our denomination emerges from the disruptions of COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of disaffiliations.
“We will continue to pray for all our sisters and brothers in The United Methodist Church and encourage everyone to continue to love God and to love our neighbors as Jesus has commanded us to do.”
The statement was approved and signed by twelve bishops, including those of Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Sierra Leone and Congo.
However, the Bishop of South Congo Area, Owan Tshibang Kasap, the Bishop of Liberia Area, Samuel Quire, and the Bishop of Nigeria Area, JohnWesley Yohanna, did not support the statement.
