IPNEWS: The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) strongly condemns the violence that erupted among members of the United Methodist Church (UMC), Liberia Annual Conference, leading to worshippers being mishandled by officers of the Liberia National Police in multiple counties.
The Council denounces these acts as a betrayal of Christian values and a disregard for morality, emphasizing that no one should face humiliation or harm while gathering to worship God. The LCC also expresses deep concern over the excessive use of force by police officers, stressing that law enforcement must protect—not persecute—citizens in places of worship.
The LCC urges all peaceful Liberians to condemn this violence and calls for urgent dialogue and reconciliation to resolve the UMC crisis. The Council has previously engaged Bishop Samuel J. Quire and other church leaders, pleading for a peaceful path forward.
The LCC implores Bishop Quire and the leadership of the breakaway Global Methodist Church to either resolve this matter through dialogue or seek legal recourse—without resorting to violence. The Church must not be reduced to a public spectacle of division and discord.
May God forgive us for bringing His Church into disrepute.
