LIBERIA: LIBERIA: 𝐋𝐀𝐂/𝐔𝐌𝐂𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐊𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 122 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

IPNEWS: The United Methodist Church in Liberia has expelled Rev. Dr. Jerry K. Kulah and 122 other clergy members in one of the largest disciplinary actions in the church’s history in the country.

The decision was taken during the 193rd Annual Session of the Liberia Annual Conference held in Greenville, where delegates voted by more than a two-thirds majority to revoke the ministerial credentials of the affected pastors. Church leaders said the action followed findings that the clergy acted in defiance of the church’s doctrine, discipline and ecclesiastical authority.

Among those expelled are Rev. Dr. Sarwolo J. Nelson Jr., Rev. Dr. George G. Wilson Jr., Rev. Dr. Isaac Chukpue-Padmore, Rev. Dr. Julius Z. Y. K. Williams, Rev. Rose Farhat, Rev. Jerry Kandea, Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson, Rev. Rodney Marshall, Rev. Allen Paye, Rev. Dr. Charles Fiske, Rev. Dr. Anna K. Labala and Rev. Cooper Pay Mondolo.

According to the conference, the pastors refused to surrender their ministerial credentials as required under the denomination’s Book of Discipline and engaged in actions that undermined church unity and authority. The Board of Ordained Ministry confirmed that the expulsions were carried out in line with established disciplinary procedures.

The conference also resolved to publish the names of those expelled and barred them from preaching or serving in any congregation within the Liberia Annual Conference. It warned that any clergy who allows the expelled individuals to function in ministerial roles would face disciplinary action.

The expulsions follow months of internal tensions within the church. In October 2024, Samuel J. Quire Jr. suspended several pastors over alleged insubordination and defiance of episcopal authority.

Despite the controversy, the Liberia Annual Conference said it remains committed to preserving the doctrinal integrity and order of the church as it works to restore unity within the denomination.