By Jerromie S. Walters
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 Paynesville Magistrate Court had previously ruled in favor of the UMC, affirming its sole ownership of the property. However, GMC members argue that the church was built with their dues and tithes, giving them a rightful claim to the facility.
The confrontation heightened when police intervened, as this led to clashes between them (LNP officers) and GMC members. Stones were thrown, tear gas was deployed, and the embattled head pastor of the 72nd United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, along with several other GMC members, were arrested.
The chaos spilled into the surrounding community, disrupting normal activities. The United Methodist Church (UMC), one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States, has been embroiled in a years-long controversy over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy.
Church Leaders Opinions
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. The newly appointed pastor of the 72nd United Methodist Church, backed by state security forces, has taken control of the building and ordered the removal of locks placed by GMC members.
More to today dispute
The dispute at the 72nd United Methodist Church is part of a larger wave of schisms within the UMC. Churches such as the Miller McAllister Methodist Church in Ganta, the New Georgia United Methodist Church, and the EJ McGill Methodist Church have also broken away over the LGBTQ+ controversy.
These congregations argue that their contributions to the construction and maintenance of church properties entitle them to retain ownership, while the UMC maintains that its properties are held in trust for the broader denomination.
While the UMC’s official doctrine has historically opposed same-sex marriage, a growing number of congregations and clergy have pushed for greater inclusion, leading to deep divisions within the church.
In 2022, the UMC reached a tentative agreement to allow churches to disaffiliate over these issues, prompting a wave of departures. Many of these breakaway congregations have joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church (GMC), which upholds traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality.
Affecting none UMC members
The incident on Sunday did not only affect members of the United Methodist Church (UMC). One community member accused the police of wasting her pot of soup during the chaos, though the police denied the claim, stating that the damage was caused by individuals fleeing the scene.
