Recent claims circulating on social media, particularly those posted by Bishop Joseph Gardea Johnson of the Restoration Baptist Church are deliberate attempts to misinform the public and discredit the United Methodist Church in Liberia and its leadership, it said in a statement Thursday in Monrovia.
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) says its Resident Bishop Samuel Quire has never endorsed, promoted, nor officiated any same-sex marriage in Liberia.
Recent claims circulating on social media, particularly those posted by Bishop Joseph Gardea Johnson of the Restoration Baptist Church are deliberate attempts to misinform the public and discredit the United Methodist Church in Liberia and its leadership, it said in a statement Thursday in Monrovia.
The statement:
Both Bishop Quire and the entire Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church have repeatedly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the authority of the Holy Bible as the foundation of our faith and practice.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia has never officiated, nor will it ever officiate, same-sex marriages. Bishop Johnson’s deliberate refusal to acknowledge the stance of the LAC/UMC—as contained in a resolution adopted at the 192nd Session of the Liberia Annual Conference—is unfortunate and misleading.
At the 192nd Session, the Liberia Annual Conference adopted a resolution categorically rejecting same-sex marriage as unbiblical, unchristian, and contrary to Liberian law, culture, and tradition. The resolution clearly outlined that:
1. Same-sex marriage contravenes Liberian civil procedures.
2. Same-sex marriage runs contrary to the customs and traditional
practices regarding marriage in Liberia.
3. Same-sex marriage is incompatible with the teachings of the
Bible, both Old and New Testaments.
The resolution, therefore, categorically rejected both same-sex marriage
and the ordination of self-avowed homosexuals.
In June of 2024, Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire Jr. was physically
attacked by an angry crowd in Ganta, Nimba County. Protests were
also staged at the New Georgia and 72nd United Methodist Churches,
based on false rumors that same-sex marriage ceremonies were to be
conducted, and lawyers representing the church were beaten by a crowd
in Omega, Paynesville.
Additionally, the Duazon United Methodist
Church was attacked by community members reportedly organized
by Rev. Charles Flakes. In December of last year, the Central Office
of the Liberia Annual Conference also suffered a protest, all
instigated by misinformation and diabolical lies.
Those who spread the false narrative that Bishop Quire and the United
Methodist Church in Liberia are promoting homosexuality are not only
spreading dangerous lies but are also inciting violence, undermining the
unity of the Church and misleading the Liberian people.
Those who are on social media platforms and street corners spreading misleading information and diabolical lies are in fact the ones promoting same -sex marriage through placards, leaflet distribution, talk shows and other means, they are pushing these false narratives only to satisfy their selfish agenda.
The Liberia Annual Conference remains focused on its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, promoting peace, providing education and healthcare, and serving the Liberian people faithfully.
We call on all Christians and the general public to be cautious of individuals or groups who twist the truth for personal or political gain.
Bishop Gardea Johnson’s statements represent nothing but desperation, misinformation, and a lack of proper understanding of our polity and it is Bishop Johnson, who lacks the requisite leadership and integrity.
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church stands
firm in its biblical convictions and remains a church rooted in faith,
culture, and service to God’s people.
