Monrovia, Liberia – A deepening rift within the United Methodist Church (UMC) over a controversial “regionalization policy” which critics say seeks to legitimize same-sex marriage escalated Sunday when heavily armed police officers locked the gates of the historic S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church, forcing worshippers to hold their service outside.
The closure, ordered by Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman at the reported instruction of UMC Bishop Samuel J. Quire, marks the second consecutive Sunday that members have been barred from entering the church. The congregation has been at the forefront of resisting the policy, which they claim redefines marriage as a union “between two consenting adults of faith” regardless of gender.
In a strongly worded three-page statement issued Friday, August 8, the S.T. Nagbe congregation condemned Bishop Quire’s stance, describing it as “an embarrassment to and an attack on Christianity.” Members accused the bishop of attempting to impose the controversial reform despite widespread opposition within the Liberian branch of the church.
Tensions flared further when a man arrived at the church Sunday morning claiming to challenge what he called “false accusations” against the bishop. His remarks were swiftly rejected by congregants, who insisted he leave the premises.
Despite the disruption, the congregation gathered in the open air to sing hymns, pray, and reaffirm their opposition to the policy. “They can lock our building, but they cannot lock our faith,” one member told our reporter.
Hours later, in a surprising turn, Inspector General Coleman ordered the church reopened, prompting jubilant celebrations among members. Singing and dancing erupted as worshippers re-entered their sanctuary for the first time in weeks.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia has been embroiled in internal turmoil for months as global divisions over same-sex marriage ripple through the denomination. With Sunday’s events, the crisis shows no sign of abating and the S.T. Nagbe congregation says it will not waver in defending what it sees as biblical teaching on marriage.
