Same-Sex Marriage Outshine UMC

Same-Sex Marriage Outshine UMC

-As House Invites LCC

Same-sex (man marrying man, or woman to woman) saga has dominated the United Methodist Church (UMC).

This same-sex business, has reportedly overwhelmed the leadership of the House of Representatives (HoR).

As such, Maryland County District #2 Representative, Anthony Williams, has written the HoR to invite the heads of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), and the UMC Resident Bishop, Samuel J. Quire, to appear before plenary and address reports of the church alleged promotion of same-sex marriage in the country.

In his communication to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Williams said the request is in keeping with the legislature constitutional mandate to safeguard the cultural, moral, and religious values of the Republic.

He urged plenary to engage Bishop Quire, and LCC President, Reverend Samuel B. Reeves, Jr., to provide clarity and justification on the matter.

The 1986 Constitution, in its Preamble, underscores the “Preservation of our cultural heritage and the sanctity of family life.” While Article 14 guarantees freedom of religion, Rep. Williams noted that it does not permit practices that contravene public policy, morality, or existing laws.

Rep. Williams who cited the Holy Bible, referenced scriptural passages such as Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Leviticus 18:22, and Romans 1:26-27, which define marriage as a “union between a man, and a woman,” and condemn sexual relations between persons of the same sex (man and man, woman and woman).

William further pointed to the Liberian Penal Law, Title 26, Subchapter ‘D,’ Section 14.74, which criminalizes “voluntary sodomy” and classifies it as a first-degree misdemeanor, thus prohibiting same-sex sexual conduct.

Given the moral, legal, and cultural implications of this issue, Williams called for a prompt engagement with the said religious leaders to ensure clarity and uphold country’s moral fabric.

Plenary is expected to deliberate on the communication and set a date for the appearance of the LCC leadership and the UMC Bishop before the House.