The United Methodist Church (UMC) has suspended Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah, Vice President of the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Professional Studies at the United Methodist University (UMU), effective immediately.
The suspension follows recommendations from an investigative committee and the Church Counsel of the Board of Ordained Ministry, citing violations under Paragraph 2702.1 (c, d, e, & f) of the UMC Discipline.
Rev. Kulah, a well-known advocate for the Global Methodist Church (GMC), faces allegations of promoting the GMC’s agenda while undermining UMC teachings, unity, and policies. The UMC has confirmed an ongoing investigation into his actions, which are said to have violated key church doctrines.
The main accusations against Rev. Kulah include prioritizing the GMC’s Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline over the UMC’s Book of Discipline 2016, which contradicts UMC principles and laws.
- Serving as a coordinator for GMC-related projects, including the Mt. Horeb Global Methodist Church, which disaffiliated from the UMC in May 2022.
- Overseeing the Boway Development Association, funded by the Mt. Horeb Church in South Carolina, operating under the GMC banner in Liberia, despite UMC opposition.
- Allegedly participating in a September 2023 meeting in Nairobi where GMC members strategized to disaffiliate African churches from the UMC and form independent conferences aligned with the GMC.
Additionally, as a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA), Rev. Kulah is accused of supporting initiatives that promote division within the UMC, including the Africa Initiative, which UMC Bishops have condemned for fostering discord.
Rev. Kulah has been instructed to comply with the investigation process fully, return all UMC and UMU property in his possession, and restrict his activities to retrieving personal belongings. The suspension prohibits him from preaching, teaching, counseling, or representing the UMC.
In response to the suspension, the UMU administration has appointed Rev. Dr. George Weagbe as the new Vice President of the Graduate School. The university has assured students and faculty that academic and administrative functions will continue without disruption.
Furthermore, students have been advised not to attend any unauthorized meetings organized by Rev. Kulah, as the university maintains that it operates under institutional governance, not individual authority.
This suspension underscores the UMC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its teachings and leadership while ensuring that due process is followed in addressing violations. The investigation into Rev. Kulah’s actions remains ongoing, with further updates to be provided as new information emerges.
