MONROVIA-The Liberia Annual Convention of The United Methodist Church has ordered the momentary closure of the historic Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church following two Sundays of chaotic worship disruptions, together with the rejection of assigned clergy and interference with Holy Communion.
Situated close to the church’s nationwide headquarters, S.T. Nagbe UMC has develop into a flashpoint in what church leaders describe as a deepening disaster that threatens the religious and institutional material of the denomination in Liberia.
In a strongly worded assertion issued Wednesday, August 6, and signed by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., the Government Committee condemned what it known as “hostile” actions in opposition to duly appointed pastors, citing a breakdown in religious self-discipline and outright defiance of church authority.
“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,” the committee mentioned.
The disaster, church officers say, has simmered for the reason that conclusion of the 2020–2024 Normal Convention of the worldwide United Methodist Church, which reaffirmed its stance that marriage is between one man and one girl—a doctrinal place in step with Liberian regulation. That reaffirmation, now codified within the forthcoming version of the E-book of Self-discipline, has sparked resistance in a number of congregations, together with S.T. Nagbe UMC, the place some members have reportedly sought to affiliate with the World Methodist Church, a conservative breakaway denomination.
The Liberia Annual Convention claims that repeated makes an attempt to resolve the battle by pastoral dialogue and administrative mediation had been rebuffed. Bishops and pastors making an attempt to carry cost conferences or restore order had been allegedly blocked by defiant members, with studies of verbal hostility and obstruction of conferences.
In response, the LAC has sealed the S.T. Nagbe church premises and suspended all actions there. Companies are to be quickly relocated to different United Methodist church buildings in Monrovia, underneath the oversight of the District Superintendent and Senior Pastor. These officers are licensed to nominate appearing officers for all auxiliaries throughout the interim interval.
People recognized as central to the disruptions face potential disciplinary proceedings underneath Paragraph 2702.1 of the E-book of Self-discipline, with investigations to be carried out in accordance with Paragraph 2706.
Church leaders warned that comparable actions might be taken in opposition to every other congregations exhibiting instability or defiance.
“This isn’t who we’re. These actions tarnish the legacy of Bishop Nagbe and the sanctity of this historic church,” the assertion learn.
Based in honor of Liberia’s first Methodist bishop, S.T. Nagbe UMC is taken into account a religious landmark and image of nationwide spiritual heritage. Its closure, although described as momentary, underscores the seriousness of the inner battle gripping the denomination.
Church authorities insisted the transfer just isn’t punitive, however protecting—geared toward preserving life, property, and the sanctity of sacred areas.
Reopening the church, they mentioned, will rely upon the end result of the continuing investigation and a dedication by the Bishop, his Cupboard, and assigned clergy that worship circumstances have returned to acceptable requirements.
In a ultimate enchantment, Bishop Quire known as on all members of the Liberia Annual Convention to mirror, pray, and recommit to unity.
“We name upon all members, particularly these concerned within the battle, to mirror prayerfully on their actions and recommit to the teachings and governance of the United Methodist Church,” he mentioned. “Allow us to not enable our variations to develop into weapons of division. As a substitute, allow us to pursue reconciliation, humility, and therapeutic.”
He urged each clergy and laity to carry S.T. Nagbe UMC in prayer, expressing confidence that peace and religious order will be restored by religion and collective resolve.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been within the occupation for over twenty years. He has labored for a lot of worldwide media shops together with: West Africa Journal, Africa Week Journal, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Instances, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He’s the present correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in Worldwide Relations and a candidate for second grasp in Worldwide Peace research and Battle Decision from the College of Liberia.
