-Over Regionalization, and Cites Broader UMC Crisis on Human Sexuality
Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Muriel V. Nelson, President of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Liberia Annual Conference Women’s Organization, has resigned from her position and severed ties with the denomination. She links her decision to the Conference’s recent ratification of regionalization—a move she claims accelerates the UMC’s departure from traditional Methodist doctrine.
Dr. Muriel V. Nelson‘s resignation comes amid the deepening rift within the UMC, fueled by years of division over human sexuality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and church governance.
In her resignation letter addressed to the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) and West Africa Central Conference Women, Dr. Nelson condemned the 2020/2024 General Conference’s decisions, which she said legalized homosexuality in the UMC, approved the ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals and redefined marriage to include same-sex unions.
She argued that these changes have “divided the women into factions”, with many aligning with breakaway groups such as the Bible-based UMC (BeUMC), Global Methodist Church (GMC), and Independent Methodist congregations (IMC).
Others, she noted, have left the UMC entirely to “find peace in serving God” outside the denomination.
Women’s Ministry at a Crossroads
Dr. Nelson emphasized that the Women’s Organization, while historically autonomous in its operations, remains connected to the UMC through missions and ministries. However, she stated that the “rebranded UMC” no longer aligns with the theological convictions of many Liberian Methodist women.
Dr. Nelson’s resignation mirrors a growing resistance among African Methodists to the UMC’s progressive shifts, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues. The Liberia Annual Conference, like other African UMC bodies, has been a stronghold of traditionalist theology, opposing the U.S.-dominated General Conference’s liberalization efforts.
The regionalization policy—which allows regional bodies to adapt church rules based on their cultural context—has been seen by some as a compromise. However, Christian believers like Dr. Nelson argue it legitimizes doctrinal disobedience and undermines global Methodist unity.
Women Urged to Choose Their Path
In her closing comments, Dr. Nelson urged Methodist women at local, district, and conference levels to “make personal decisions to serve God in peace”—implying that staying in the UMC may conflict with their faith. Her departure follows a wave of exits from the UMC, particularly in Africa and the U.S., where thousands of congregations have disaffiliated to join the Global Methodist Church (GMC) or become independent.
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, several breakaway members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) were arrested by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville.
The individuals who are now part of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) had reportedly defied a recent court ruling by attempting to claim ownership of the church building and conducting their regular Sunday worship service.
The embattled head pastor of the 72nd United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, along with several other GMC members, were arrested. Bishop Samuel Quire of the United Methodist Church has since reiterated that while individuals are free to leave the denomination, they cannot take church property with them.
