–Invites Justice Minister, UMC Authorities
The plenary of the Liberian Senate has mandated its Joint Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition and Internal Affairs to invite the Minister of Justice and authorities of the United Methodist Church in Liberia to address the on-going crisis in the church.
Plenary’s decision comes in the wake of a communication written by Rivercess County Senator, Wellington Geevon Smith, seeking the indulgence of the Senate to intervene in the on-going crisis which has shaken the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
In his communication, which was read on Tuesday March 4, 2025, Senator Smith underscored that the Government of Liberia (GOL) has not issued any statement since the emergence of the religious crisis in the United Methodist Church.
According to the Rivercess County Senator, the current crisis has led to a division in the United Methodist Church in Liberia over the alleged acceptance and rejection of same-sex marriage, resulting into factions and prompting the escalation of the situation into the involvement of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other securities of the state.
Senator Smith further asserted that the Constitution, as well as Liberia’s political and traditional beliefs, does not accept same-sex marriage.
“The Justice Minister and other officials of the United Methodist Church shall appear before the Liberian Senate and inform the citizens about the tension in the church and possible resolution,” he said.
The joint committee is expected to invite the parties concerned and report findings to plenary on next Tuesday.