The Supreme Court of Liberia, presided over by Justice Cieneh Clinton-Johnson in Chambers, delivered a significant update in the case involving the officers and members of the former 72nd United Methodist Church.
The court’s decision came after the petitioners, represented by Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson of Paynesville, officially withdrew their petition for a writ of prohibition against the Government of Liberia and the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The case, which had been filed against the Government of Liberia, represented by Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, as well as Col. Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, and the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (represented by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.), centered on a legal dispute between the church members and the government over church property and leadership.
After considering the legal arguments and reviewing the evidence, petitioners, who initially sought to challenge actions taken by the respondents, notified the court of their decision to withdraw the petition. The petition for a writ of prohibition was aimed at stopping certain government and church actions that the petitioners believed violated their rights. However, following the official withdrawal, the court acknowledged the move and instructed that the withdrawal be recorded on the case file.
In a formal notice, the petitioners expressed their intent to reserve the right to refile the petition at a later time, should circumstances change. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle within the Methodist church community and its dealings with the government.
The withdrawal of the petition does not preclude future legal actions on the matter. For now, however, the case is considered closed with the petitioners’ right to reinitiate proceedings preserved.
The court has officially recorded the withdrawal and confirmed that the case will remain in the legal archives, with any future filings handled in accordance with Liberia’s legal procedures. The public awaits further developments, as church leaders and government officials continue to navigate the dispute. By: Tarr U.BGarnett/Ableejay TV