In the midst of mounting tensions within the religious community over the issue of same-sex marriage, the Liberian Senate has summoned Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and key leaders from the United Methodist Church (UMC) to address the government’s stance on the matter. The Senate’s action follows rising concerns from River Cess County Senator Wellington Smith, who has raised alarm over a growing divide within the UMC, sparked by the church’s internal conflict surrounding same-sex marriage.
Senator Smith, in a communication to the Senate, emphasized the deepening crisis within the UMC, which has been exacerbated by a split between two factions. One faction, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, strongly opposes Bishop Samuel Quire, accusing him of endorsing same-sex marriage, a stance that has intensified division and unrest within the church. Reports of disruption and violence within the UMC have underscored the gravity of the situation, prompting Senator Smith to question whether the government’s silence on the matter could be seen as tacit approval or a failure to uphold existing laws on marriage.
Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law, Title 9, explicitly defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In light of this, Senator Smith expressed concern that the government’s inaction, particularly in the face of the church’s internal conflict, could imply an endorsement of same-sex marriage, which contradicts the legal definition of marriage in Liberia.
During the Senate session on Tuesday, Senator Smith raised two key questions for consideration: whether same-sex marriages are taking place within the UMC and whether the government’s silence on the matter could be interpreted as support for practices that defy Liberian law.
“My concern is whether the practice of same-sex marriage is ongoing in the church,” said Senator Smith. “And given the confusion this issue has caused within the church, I want to know if the government’s silence is an indication of endorsement.”
In response, the Senate Plenary voted to summon Cllr. Tweh and UMC leaders to a public hearing, set for Thursday.
