The Episcopacy Committee of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), is deeply shocked and saddened by the physical attack on Bishop J. Samuel Quire Jr. during his recent visit at the Gompa District Conference in Nimba County, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The Episcopacy Committee Of LAC/UMC in a release issued over the weekend in Monrovia, lamented that the act of violence against the Bishop is utterly unacceptable and goes against the core values of respect, peace and the fear of God, something they all are striving to uphold in the church. It can be recalled that Bishop Quire’s visit at the McAllister UMC in Nimba County was intended to foster unity and promote dialogue aimed at providing clearer understanding on the decision taken at the recently held 2020 postponed General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina USA April 23 to May 3, 2024. But his visit at the Gompa District Conference was missed understood as he encountered strong resistance from some Clergy and Lay members of the district, thus preventing him from sharing his thoughts with them. “We believe that this action resulted from false propagandas and misleading information given to our people by some church leaders, that our Bishop signed and voted Gay Rights, or same sex marriage at the General Conference of the UMC held in the USA,” the release said. It continues: “Let the record show, that there had been no time and place where our Bishop voted and signed Gay Rights/same sex marriage to be practiced in the United Methodist Church in Liberia.” According to the release, the unfortunate incident has brought distressed and disrespect to the Bishop, as well as division in the unity of the church. It added that they unequivocally condemned the physical attacked on Bishop Quire by individuals within the Gompa District, during his recent visit to Nimbacounty. The release noted that such actions have no place in the church and are direct affront to the principles to love and peace that their faith teaches. “Furthermore, our Bishop and the UMC in Liberia at previous conferences of the LAC/UMC have said No to Gay Rights/same sex activities in our Annual Conference. The UMC in Liberia is not a Gay Church and will not practice such act,” the release said. Accordingly, it is a church of God, whose mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, thereby calling on members of the church to stand together in denouncing violence and promote a culture of mutual respect and unity. The release indicated that it is only through peaceful engagement and open dialogue that they can overcome their differences and build a stronger and more inclusive church. Moreover, they want the appropriate authorities of the church to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The release stated that it is imperative that justice is served, and that measures are taken to prevent such incident from occurring in the future. Additionally, they are urging all United Methodist members to come together in solidarity in standing firm against the divisive strategies of the devil during these difficult and challenging times in the history of the church. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to peace and mutual respect, for it is through dialogue, understanding and forgiveness that we can heal and move forward stronger than before,” it said.
It continues: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Bishop Quire and all those affected by this distressing event. We wish the Bishop a speedy recovery and stand with him in solidarity, and let us all work together to create a community where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.” They are therefore encouraging the Bishop’s Cabinet, Conference Communication Department, Connectional Ministry, Boards of Ordained Ministry and Boards of Laity to aid the Bishop’s office in disseminating the correct information from the recently held General Conference to all United Methodist across the country and also create awareness of administrative approaches that the Bishop and his Cabinet will take till they meet in their forth coming annual conference session in February 2025. “We believe that this action including prayers, more dialogue and consultations will lower the gravity of conflict in our church. May God bless us all as we act in ways to keep our church peaceful,” it concluded. Members of the LAC/UMC Episcopacy Committee include Reverend Dr. Erlene P. Thompson-Chairperson, Brother Otto Nabie Co-Chair, Sister Dehkontee P. Tarr-Secretary, Rev. Dr. Matthew A. Jaiah member among others. Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370