Liberia UMC Leadership moves to Protect Worship and Property amid S.T. Nagbe turmoil.
Monrovia, August 11, 2025: The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has strongly condemned what it described as an “unfortunate and unwarranted” disturbance that occurred Sunday, August 10, in front of the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church (S.T. Nagbe UMC) on Tubman Boulevard, despite the church’s recent closure.
The Executive Committee of LAC/UMC said the disturbance, reportedly involving a group of dismissed and suspended church officers, underscored the necessity of the August 6 closure order, which was implemented to protect worshippers, safeguard property, and maintain public order.
Months of Escalating Disruptions
According to church authorities, S.T. Nagbe UMC has faced over three months of repeated disorder, including the obstruction of worship services and disruption of sacred ceremonies such as weddings, Holy Communion, and funerals. These incidents, they said, have eroded peace, unity, and spiritual discipline within the congregation.
The Executive Committee alleged that the unrest is being fueled by individuals aligned with the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC), who had previously sought to withdraw from the Liberia Annual Conference but are now attempting to occupy the S.T. Nagbe premises and exclude members who wish to remain in the UMC.
“This dispute is not about faith or same-sex marriage, it is about church property, the building, and its rightful ownership,” the statement read.
The LAC/UMC also dismissed social media claims suggesting that the church’s bishop was preparing to officiate a same-sex wedding. The Executive Committee labeled the allegation as “false and misleading,” stressing that both the Liberia Annual Conference and the West Africa Central Conference uphold marriage as a sacred union between one man and one woman, consistent with biblical teaching and Liberian law.
The statement cited resolutions passed at the West Africa Central Conference in Ghana (December 2024) and the LAC/UMC’s 192nd Annual Session (February 2025), both of which reaffirmed the traditional definition of marriage and mandated the protection of all United Methodist properties across Liberia.
Commitment to Law and Order
Church leaders pledged to ensure that United Methodists can worship without fear, warning that those who instigate unrest or vandalize church property will face legal consequences under Liberian law.
In the meantime, members of S.T. Nagbe UMC are being encouraged to attend services at other United Methodist churches in Monrovia and surrounding areas under the guidance of the District Superintendent, who is coordinating with law enforcement to maintain safety and order.
Founded over two centuries ago, The United Methodist Church has played a significant role in Liberia’s history and maintains that its doctrinal and property policies will continue to be upheld.
