06/08/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Executive Committee
The Liberia Annual Conference,
The United Methodist Church
August 6, 2025
Temporary Closure of Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church
Monrovia, Liberia โ The Executive Committee of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) expresses its deep concern and sorrow over the recent troubling events that have unfolded at Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church (S.T. Nagbe UMC) in Monrovia.
The incidents of the past two consecutive Sundays including the disruption of worship, interruption of Holy Communion, and hostile behavior toward duly appointed pastors are unprecedented and deeply disappointing. These actions stand in direct opposition to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the values that the United Methodist Church holds sacred: peace, love, accountability, order, and mutual respect.
S.T. Nagbe UMC is not just any congregation. It bears the name of the first Liberian Bishop, Bishop Stephen Trowen Nagbe, and it is in close proximity to the seat of the Liberia Annual Conference. Its spiritual and historical importance is invaluable, making the current unrest even more grievous.
Affirmation of Doctrine
Since the conclusion of the 2020โ2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Liberia Annual Conference, alongside all other African conferences, has reaffirmed its position on marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
This doctrine is consistent with the Book of Discipline and Liberiaโs national laws. A new Book of Discipline reflecting this affirmation is being prepared for publication.
Despite this clarity, misinformation, disinformation, and misrepresentation have spread among some congregationsโcausing confusion, fear, and conflict.
At S.T. Nagbe UMC, this has escalated into violent conduct, rejection of leadership, and unlawful attempts to align the church with the Global Methodist Church (GMC).While the Bishop, District Superintendent, and pastors have made repeated efforts to mediate and reconcile, a small group has continued to disrupt worship, ignore spiritual authority, and block orderly meetings, rendering further charge conferences ineffective
Executive Actions Authorized
The church premises will be sealed to protect life, property, and sacred space, pending an official investigation by Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Relocation of Worship: All worship and church activities are to be temporarily moved to other United Methodist churches.
โข Disciplinary Action: Individuals involved in misconduct will face charges under paragraph 2702.1 of the Book of Discipline, with proceedings guided by paragraph 2706.
โข Reopening Review: The Bishop, Cabinet, and appointed pastors will decide when it is appropriate to resume services at the church.
โข Leadership Oversight: The Senior Pastor, with the District Superintendent, is authorized to appoint acting officers for all church auxiliaries during this period.
โข Broader Use: These measures may also be applied to other UMC congregations facing similar disturbances across Liberia.
During this period, we call upon all members especially those involved in the conflict to reflect prayerfully on their actions and recommit to the teachings and governance of the United Methodist Church.
Let us not allow our differences to become weapons of division. Instead, let us pursue reconciliation, humility, and healing.
The United Methodist Church has weathered many storms. We are confident that, with God's guidance, truth, peace, and justice will prevail.
We urge all Clergy, Laity, and Church Leaders across the Liberia Annual Conference to lift S.T. Nagbe UMC in prayer and support efforts aimed at restoring peace, order, and spiritual vitality.
May God grant us the wisdom to discern His will, the peace to calm our spirits, and the strength to remain faithful through this difficult moment.
Yours in His Service,
Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.
Chairman, Executive Committee
Resident Bishop, Liberia Episcopal Area
The Liberia Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church