The Head Prelate of the United Methodist Church, New Georgia Branch, Rev. Leo Mason along with his Associate Pastor Yah Gorghoyee has filed a petition for Summary Proceedings with the presiding judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court Annex ‘B’ Scheaplor Dunbar.
The petition is seeking to reverse a controversial order issued by Atty. Patrick Tamba, a Stipendiary Magistrate at the Gardnersville Magisterial Court.
Magistrate Tamba’s order, dated October 18, 2024, directs the petitioners to “stay away” from their church’s premises pending an unresolved complaint filed against them.
Rev. Mason and his Associate lawyers argue that the order violates their client’s constitutional rights as outlined in Article 20(a) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
They further contend that no formal action has been initiated against them and that the magistrate’s directive infringes on their ability to fulfill their pastoral duties.
Furthermore, the petition highlights that only Circuit Courts have the authority to issue injunctions, while the Supreme Court holds the power to issue prohibitory orders.
The suspended Methodist Prelates legal team asserts that the magistrate overstepped his jurisdiction, effectively usurping powers that belong to higher courts.
The Gardnerville Stipendiary Magistrate action was triggered by a complaint filed by Rev. Cllr. J. Abel Knight, who is the second responded.
According to the petitioners, Rev. Knight is purporting to be the acting head of the ordained pastors of the Methodist Church, noting that he is an imposter.
Count five (5) of the petition alleges that the position Rev. Knight is claiming to hold according to an invitation to a conference is an elected position according to paragraph 2703 of the 2016 Book of Discipline.
Adding to their claims, the petitioners question the legitimacy of the complaint made by Rev. Cllr. J. Abel Knight, the second respondent.
They allege that Knight is misrepresenting his position, as the role he claims to hold was filled by Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah at the recent Annual Conference.
In light of these arguments, the petitioners are asking the court to dismiss the magistrate’s order and restore their rights to access the church.
The petitioner’s legal team headed by Cllr. T. Emmanuel Tomah and Edwina D. Vakuo emphasized the need for due process and justice in the matter.
For his part, the Presiding Judge of the Civil Law Court Annex ‘B’ Scheplor Dunbar declined to look into the merit of the case, stating the petition for summary proceedings is premature.
Judge Dunbar said the legal representation of the suspended pastors should have attended the conference by the Stipendiary Magistrate to know the outcome of the conference before taking the matter to the Circuit Court.
Meanwhile, Judge Dunbar has forwarded the case back to the Gardnerville Magisterial Court for the Stipendiary Magistrate to take jurisdiction over the matter.
It can be recalled that on October 13, 2024, Tensions flared within the UMC, New Georgia Branch following the suspension of Rev. Leo T. Mason, a prominent opponent of same-sex marriage.
Protests erupted in New Georgia on October 13, as congregants expressed their dissent over the bishop’s leadership changes, fearing a shift towards acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues in a church where such practices are largely condemned.
Many church members criticized Bishop Quire for allegedly expelling clergymen who opposed homosexuality.
Rev. Mason is the second pastor suspended under these circumstances, following Pastor Elijah Dajue, who also spoke out against the church’s direction.
Bishop Quire’s recent statements have left many within the UMC questioning their place in a church they believe is moving away from its foundational principles.
The impact of these developments on the local congregation and the broader United Methodist Church in Liberia remains uncertain.
The case raises significant questions about judicial authority and the rights of clergy within the Methodist Church in Liberia.
The court’s decision will be closely watched by both the church community and legal observers.
