Monrovia, August 6, 2025: The Executive Committee of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has temporarily shut down the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church in Monrovia.
A press release issued by the Executive Committee says the church premises will be sealed to protect life, property, and sacred space, pending an official investigation by the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
The release says all worship and church activities are to be temporarily moved to other United Methodist churches. At the same time, individuals (Church members) involved in misconduct will face charges under paragraph 2702.1 of the Book of Discipline, with proceedings guided by paragraph 2706.
“The Bishop, Cabinet, and appointed pastors will decide when it is appropriate to resume services at the church”, the Executive Committee announced.
Meanwhile, the release says the Senior Pastor of the church, with the Monrovia District Superintendent, is authorized to appoint acting officers for all church auxiliaries during this period, adding that these measures may also be applied to other UMC congregations facing similar disturbances across Liberia.
“During this period, we call upon all members especially those involved in the conflict to reflect prayerfully on their actions and recommit to the teachings and governance of the United Methodist Church.
The Executive Committee of the Liberia Annual Conference expresses its deep concern and sorrow over what it terms “recent troubling events that have unfolded at Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church (S.T. Nagbe UMC) in Monrovia.
According to the Committee, the incidents of the past two consecutive Sundays including disruption of worship, interruption of Holy Communion, and hostile behavior toward duly appointed pastors are unprecedented and deeply disappointing.
“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 notes that S.T. Nagbe UMC is not just any congregation, as it bears the name of the first Liberian Bishop, Bishop Stephen Trowen Nagbe, and it is in close proximity to the seat of the Liberia Annual Conference. “Its spiritual and historical importance is invaluable, making the current unrest even more grievous.”
According to the release, since the conclusion of the 2020–2024 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Liberia Annual Conference, alongside all other African conferences, has reaffirmed its position on marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
“This doctrine is consistent with the Book of Discipline and Liberia’s national laws. A new Book of Discipline reflecting this affirmation is being prepared for publication.”
The Committee says, despite this clarity, misinformation, disinformation, and misrepresentation have spread among some congregations—causing confusion, fear, and conflict.
“At S.T. Nagbe UMC, this has escalated into violent conduct, rejection of leadership, and unlawful attempts to align the church with the Global Methodist Church (GMC). While the Bishop, District Superintendent, and pastors have made repeated efforts to mediate and reconcile, a small group has continued to disrupt worship, ignore spiritual authority, and block orderly meetings, rendering further charge conferences ineffective”, says the release, issued under the signature of Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Chairman of the Executive Committee and Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference. Press Release
