Article: The United Methodist Church in Liberia is at a crossroad

By Rev. Levi C. Williams II

There are two major expressions of Protestant Christianity in the world. There is the Evangelical or conservative expression, and there is the Liberal form.  There are many differences between these two types of Christianity, but this article will focus on one, the role of human reason. Both expressions of faith use reason. Evangelicals use reason to acquire a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, such as asking what a certain scripture or doctrine means. Liberals tend to use reason to question the accuracy of the faith, like the serpent asking the woman in the Garden of Eden, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’” (Genesis 3:1 NIV).  Evangelicals hold certain positions, such as viewing the Bible as the infallible Word of God with the highest authority for doctrine and morality. Liberals hold the position that scripture was written over 2,000 years ago by and for pre-scientific people. Today’s scientific and technological world requires an adjustment of scripture to accommodate the modern and post-modern world. 

In 2024, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted to change its position on marriage between a man and a woman to marriage between two adults of faith. This vote was a result of a vigorous campaign by Liberals in the UMC who claim the Bible was written more than two thousand years ago by and for a pre-scientific people.  They argue the world has changed, so the Bible should accommodate scientific and technological changes.  Liberals point to evolution in science and technology and other social changes to justify why the Bible needs to either accommodate social changes or be ignored.  While evolution exists to some degree, there is no evidence of evolution in human morality. People are still as sinful in being disobedient to God and living contrary to God’s will as they were when the Bible was written. Liberals hold the view that the Bible transforms lives and institutions but also that human culture should influence the church and Scripture. 

United Methodists around the world, especially in Africa, have been thrown into disarray by the decision on marriage because, from the time of the establishment of the Christian church on earth, Jesus Christ has been and remains the standard for the beliefs and actions of the Christian Church.  Even John Wesley, who organized the Methodist Church, believed the church should be apostolic by holding to the teaching of Christ as contained in the Old and New Testaments. I believe if there are contradictions between the Old and the New Testaments or between Jesus and Paul, such as the views on slavery, food, discrimination, social interaction, or morality, Jesus takes priority.

The General Conference decision has thrown United Methodists in Africa in a quandary because the UMC now defines marriage between two adults of faith, which means men can get married to men. In contrast, women can get married to women.  United Methodists in Africa are struggling with whether they should remain United Methodists or leave the denomination. The UMC in Liberia is the “grandmother” of Methodism in Africa (established in 1833), so the decision carries a lot of weight in Africa and around the world.

This practice of same-sex relationships and marriage is known as homosexuality. Those who practice this lifestyle describe themselves as Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Queer (LGBTQ+), and other variations of the practice.  Homosexuality has been in human society for thousands of years, not as the norm but as a taboo social practice. There are numerous biblical passages against homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13; Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-28).  Love is the central theme of the Gospel message, and Christians are called upon to love everyone.  There are four types of love: sexual/physical love (eros), brotherly or friendship (philia) love, family fondness (sturge), and God’s (agape) love.  Jesus became the incarnation (God in human form) and entered human society as the Christ or Messiah (the Anointed One as King, Prophet, and Priest) to save and rule the world by instituting the Kingdom of God (salvation) from sin (disobedience to God); belief (faith) in Jesus leads to eternal life.  Christians are encouraged to extend Agape love to all, even when we disagree with their lifestyle.

As the UMC in Liberia decides which direction to follow from the crossroad where it finds itself, it is vital to consider some of the implications of either path. If the Liberia Area decides to remain UMC, it will be aligning with Liberalism.  Liberalism has a tendency of questioning everything.  You will hear some say, “Sin is sin, and we are all sinners.” This is true for many Christians, but the issue is not about sin; it’s about repentance.  Jesus came to call sinners to repentance.  If homosexuality, adultery, and other forms of immoral behavior are no longer considered sinful, doesn’t the church run the risk of opening the door to expand the list of behaviors that may no longer be considered sinful? 

Some Liberals question the historicity of Jesus, the reality of miracles, and the power of God in the lives of believers; isn’t it possible these Liberal positions could lead to the irrelevance of Jesus Christ because, as someone said, “If there is no sin, there is no need for a savior?” Will this Liberal view not lead to the decline of Christianity? Is Liberalism not undermining God’s plan for procreation in the world?  Is Liberalism not a plot to remove God as the sovereign Ruler of the world and place humans in charge, thereby inviting God’s Adversary, the Devil, to reign in Liberia? 

If the Liberia Area rejects the UMC and Liberalism, the economic implications will be more imminent.  The Liberia Area will go through a period of economic hardship. This will require better stewardship for the faithful management of natural and other resources of the Church in Liberia to benefit the entire Church. Corruption in government has its counterpart in the church rooted in sinful nature and greater loyalty to ethnic (tribal) and family connections than to God and the institution.  The Evangelicals have their own social challenges and tend to discriminate against women and social groups different from their own.

There are problems and difficulties awaiting the Liberia Area, no matter which position or direction it takes.  The head of the church is Jesus Christ.  Confession of faith in Jesus as Lord is the rock foundation upon which the church is built (Matthew 16:17-19).  As we pray and seek God’s direction, two scripture passages come to mind.  In John 16:33, Jesus told the disciples, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Also, after Judas betrayed Jesus and ended his own life, in Acts 1, the Apostles prayed and used a human method called “casting lots” to select Matthias to replace Judas. Later, in Acts 9, God chose Saul (Paul) as his own replacement for Judas. With confidence, I declare God is making His choice known. Are we paying attention?

About the author:

Rev. Levi C. Williams II, Th.D. has served as dean of the Gbarnga School of Theology, director of communications, and pastor at the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Recently, he was an adjunct Instructor of Theology at the BIGST at UMU. He is the author of the book, A History of the United Methodist Church in Liberia (2014).