As global discussions surrounding marriage evolve, the intersection of biblical principles and civil law remains a contentious issue, especially within religious communities. In Liberia, this divide has come into sharp focus within the United Methodist Church (UMC), where tensions have flared over same-sex marriage. These tensions reflect broader debates on marriage’s legal and religious definitions and the clash between civil rights and longstanding religious teachings rooted in scripture.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, the crisis deepened across United Methodist Churches in Liberia when clergymen opposing same-sex marriage were arrested and remanded over property rights and their alleged refusal to be replaced by UMC Bishop Samuel J. Quire.
Marriage laws have evolved significantly over the years, with many countries redefining marriage to include same-sex couples, reflecting growing recognition of individual freedoms and human rights. Traditionally viewed as a union between a man and a woman, marriage is now often seen as a legal contract between two consenting adults, granting them rights such as tax benefits, inheritance rights, and social security benefits.
At the heart of the modern civil law framework is the concept of consent, which emphasizes that individuals have the right to make personal decisions about their relationships, bodies, and sexual identities. This perspective has led to greater advocacy for same-sex marriage, particularly in societies where LGBTQ+ rights have gained significant traction. However, while legal frameworks have evolved, these changes have not been embraced uniformly by all communities, particularly religious groups rooted in traditional beliefs.
In contrast to the legal framework, biblical teachings continue to shape the views of many religious communities, particularly within Christianity. The Bible, regarded as the authoritative word of God by millions, provides specific guidelines for marriage centered on a union between a man and a woman. Passages such as Genesis 2:24, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh,” underscore the traditional belief that marriage is a divine institution for procreation and sanctification.
The New Testament affirms this perspective, with Jesus referencing Genesis 2:24 in Matthew 19:4-6, reinforcing that marriage is meant to unite a man and a woman in a sacred, lifelong bond. For many Christians, these biblical teachings form the foundation of their belief in the sanctity of heterosexual marriage.
However, certain verses in the Bible, such as Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, which describe same-sex acts as “detestable,” and passages like Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, have long been cited by Christian communities as evidence that homosexuality, and by extension same-sex marriage, contradict biblical teachings.
The conflict over marriage has escalated within the United Methodist Church in Liberia, where Bishop Samuel J. Quire’s leadership has sparked significant controversy. Bishop Quire, who returned to Liberia in 2024, has become embroiled in a fierce debate over the acceptance of same-sex marriage within the church.
Many members of the UMC in Liberia accuse Bishop Quire of advocating for the acceptance of same-sex practices, which they believe is part of a broader effort to push for the “regionalization” of the church, a move they argue serves as a cover for the legalization of same-sex marriage. Protests erupted across two UMC branches in 2024 after pastors Leo T. Mayson and Elijah Dajue were dismissed for vocally opposing homosexuality.
Pastor Dajue, in particular, claimed that regionalization was merely a pretext for legalizing same-sex marriage within the church. During a visit to a UMC branch in Nimba County, Bishop Quire faced intense opposition from congregants, with some chanting, “We na want gay marriage,” highlighting the growing divide within the church.
Liberia’s Penal Law of 1976 criminalizes same-sex activities, and the government has largely remained silent on the issue, leaving religious communities to navigate these tensions on their own. The Domestic Relations Law of Liberia defines marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman, further complicating the church’s stance.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia has responded by asserting its support for the rights of individuals to make decisions about their relationships, bodies, and sexual identities. A UMC document states that the church supports “the rights of all people to exercise personal consent in sexual relationships, to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions, to receive comprehensive sexual education, to be free from sexual exploitation and violence, and to have access to adequate sexual health care.”
However, the church’s stance on marriage remains rooted in traditional teachings. The UMC maintains that marriage is a sacred, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman of consenting age, although the church does not consider marriage a sacrament. The controversy over same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ inclusion has led to the expulsion of pastors Mayson and Dajue, further deepening divisions within the church.
Many church members accuse Bishop Quire of sidelining traditional views and pushing an agenda that contradicts the church’s teachings. His refusal to convene a session to report to Liberian church members on the ongoing discussions at the General Conference in the United States has only fueled suspicions that he is focused on replacing church leaders who oppose LGBTQ+ inclusion.
