The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church has shut down one of the church’s largest worship centers, S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church in Sinkor.
In the below statement, Bishop Samuel Quire provides clarity on the closure as crisis within the Methodist Church in Liberia continues.
Temporary Closure of Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church
The Executive Committee of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) expresses its deep concern and sorrow over the recent troubling events that have unfolded at Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church (S.T. Nagbe UMC) in Monrovia.
The incidents of the past two consecutive Sundays including the disruption of worship, interruption of Holy Communion, and hostile behavior toward duly appointed pastors are unprecedented and deeply disappointing.
These actions stand in direct opposition to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the values that the United Methodist Church holds sacred: peace, love, accountability, order, and mutual respect.
S.T. Nagbe UMC is not just any congregation. It bears the name of the first Liberian Bishop, Bishop Stephen Trowen Nagbe, and it is in close proximity to the seat of the Liberia Annual Conference. Its spiritual and historical importance is invaluable, making the current unrest even more grievous.
Affirmation of Doctrine.
Since the conclusion of the 2020–2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Liberia Annual Conference, alongside all other African conferences, has reaffirmed its position on marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
This doctrine is consistent with the Book of Discipline and Liberia’s national laws. A new Book of Discipline reflecting this affirmation is being prepared for publication.
Despite this clarity, misinformation, disinformation, and misrepresentation have spread among some congregations—causing confusion, fear, and conflict.
At S.T. Nagbe UMC, this has escalated into violent conduct, rejection of leadership, and unlawful attempts to align the church with the Global Methodist Church (GMC).
While the Bishop, District Superintendent, and pastors have made repeated efforts to mediate and reconcile, a small group has continued to disrupt worship, ignore spiritual authority, and block orderly meetings, rendering further charge conferences ineffective
Executive Actions Authorized
The church premises will be sealed to protect life, property, and sacred space, pending an official investigation by Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Relocation of Worship: All worship and church activities are to be temporarily moved to other United Methodist churches.
➢ Disciplinary Action: Individuals involved in misconduct will face charges under paragraph 2702.1 of the Book of Discipline, with proceedings guided by paragraph 2706.
➢ Reopening Review: The Bishop, Cabinet, and appointed pastors will decide when it is appropriate to resume services at the church.
➢ Leadership Oversight: The Senior Pastor, with the District Superintendent, is authorized to appoint acting officers for all church auxiliaries during this period.
➢ Broader Use: These measures may also be applied to other UMC congregations facing similar disturbances across Liberia.
During this period, we call upon all members especially those involved in the conflict to reflect prayerfully on their actions and recommit to the teachings and governance of the United Methodist Church.
Let us not allow our differences to become weapons of division. Instead, let us pursue reconciliation, humility, and healing.
