Methodist Bishop attacked in Ganta

United Methodists besiege their Resident Bishop here, demanding he clearly state his position on gay marriage and the practice of homosexuality in the Methodist Church of Liberia.

By Thomas Domah, Nimba County 

Monrovia, Liberia, July 1, 2024 – Some members and leaders of the United Methodist Church in Nimba County besiege the Resident Bishop of the Liberian Annual Conference here, Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., demanding him to come clear on the Methodist Church’s position on ordaining gay bishops, pastors, officiating gay or same-sex marriage and practicing homosexuality in the church, as degreed recently by Methodist Churches in the United States. 

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, June 29, 2024,  at the Miller McAllister United Methodist Church in Ganta, Nimba County.

The attackers, in huge numbers, moved on the Bishop after he openly told them that he would not allow and support the practice of homosexuality in the church and that no United Methodist Churches in Liberia should be involved in gay marriage or have gay pastors on their pulpits.

There has been no arrest made by Police follow Saturday’s attack on the Resident Bishop.

However, some executives of United Methodist Churches in Nimba, including leaders, have distanced themselves from such an act against the Bishop, while some pastors, along with their supporters, were supportive of the behavior toward their Bishop.

In response to the church demand, Resident Bishop Jerome Quire, Jr. urges United Methodist Churches in Liberia to reject gay marriage or the practice of homosexuality in the church and to stay together as United Methodists, kicking against Western practices that are contrary to the teaching of the Holy Bible. 

Bishop Quire, who openly told the congregation that invited him from Monrovia to Ganta, Nimba County, to explain to them the position of the Liberia Annual Conference on the practice of homosexuality in the church, suddenly came under attack by angry congregants, smashing his vehicle. 

Although Bishop Quire has categorically clarified that he is against gay and lesbian activities in the church, some United Methodists in Liberia seem to maintain deep suspicions that it is difficult to believe because there are huge offers of millions of dollars for churches from poor countries such as Liberia that would signup to licensing gay bishops and pastors.     

He was firm in telling United Methodists to remain united but said if they wanted to leave the Church, they might do so by informing their pastors, a statement perhaps that broke the camel’s back when angry congregants accused Bishop Quire that he may have already signed and agreed with such practices in the western world before returning to Liberia, only to maintain a posture of denial. 

Following the heated debate between church members and their Resident Bishop, the Bishop’s vehicle was smashed in the process, as he and members of his delegation were prevented from leaving the Church compound in Ganta. Editing by Jonathan Browne