18/08/2025
BREAKING NEWS
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2025
RE: Landmark Class Action Ruling: Liberia Civil Law Court Confirms UMC Ownership of
Churches, Schools, Hospitals, and Retains Sole Possession of Its Properties Across Liberia.
Today, Monday, August 18, 2025, the Liberia Annual Conference, of The United Methodist Church
(LAC/UMC) won its right to own and take full possession of all of its properties, places of worship,
health institutions, educational facilities, and any other properties owned by the Liberia Annual
Conference, United Methodists Church in Liberia.
In granting the Petition for Declaratory Judgment, Summary Judgement His Honor Judge George Smith of
the Civil Law Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Temple of Justice, ruled decisively: “Churches, Schools,
Parsonages, Hospitals/Clinics, and preaching points belong to the Liberia Annual Conference of the United
Methodist Church. When you leave a Church, you forfeit the rights and privileges over that Church.”
Judge Smith, citing historical examples of church separations, including the Catholic and Anglican
traditions, and John Wesley’s break from the Anglican Church, noted that in such cases, those who depart
are not “distributees” of church property. He ruled that by seceding from and terminating their membership
with the LAC/UMC, the Global Methodist Church and its leaders forfeit any beneficiary ownership of
LAC/UMC properties. They therefore have no right to occupy or transfer the properties, nor to remove
signs and inscriptions which mark the distinction of the Liberia Annual Conference, UMC.
The Court’s ruling affirms and confirms that the Global Methodist Church and its leaders, 1st Respondent,
the Global Methodist Church, and 2nd Respondents: Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah, Rev. Dr. J. Sarwolo Nelson,
Jr., Rev. Dr. George D. Wilson, Jr., Rev. Dr. Isaac Chuckpue Padmore, Rev. Julius Y.Z.K. Williams, I,
Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson, Rev. Leo Mayson, Rev. Rodney Marshall, Rev. Elijah Dajue, Rev. Cooper Page
Mondolo, Rev. Allen Paye, Fth. Johnson Jooju Kumeh, Cllr. Emmanuel T. Tomah, and Mr. L. Olando
Boyce, I, they have no authority or ownership color of rights over sacred properties owned by the Liberian
Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The Judge further cited both Liberian and American jurisprudence, noting that since title was not in
dispute, and the LAC/UMC had produced several valid deeds, the Court affirms and confirmed that the
LAC/UMC is the legal and equitable owner and trustee of its properties for the use and benefit of its
members of the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
The LAC/UMC reminds all Liberians inside and outside and the international community that it is one of
the historic and iconic churches whose ministry contributed to the founding of this Republic. The Church
categorically denies false propaganda and criminal misrepresentation that it promotes same-sex marriage.
The UMC remains a Bible-believing and Liberian law-abiding Church that upholds the biblical, cultural,
and civil definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman, authorized by the State and,
when requested, solemnized by the Church.
The LAC/UMC reiterates that recent disturbances at its churches, schools, and medical facilities are the
result of illegal property grabs by 1st and 2nd respondents in this matter, who have broken away to form
another denomination for selfish reason(s) including power, property grabs and positions. These actions
are condemned, and the Church has rightfully turned to the courts to defend its rights.
This ruling represents a victory for truth, law, and the preservation of sacred properties owned by the Liberia
Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in perpetuity.
Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, has called upon all
members and leaders of the United Methodist Church in Liberia to continue praying for peace,
reconciliation, and spiritual healing within our denomination. “Let us recommit ourselves to the teachings
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Bishop Quire urged.
Signed:
Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, ESQ,
Liberia Annual Conference Lay- leader
