By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – The Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church, pending a final ruling on a declaratory judgment petition filed by the congregation’s leadership.
The interim order, signed by Assigned Circuit Judge George W. Smith, instructs Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire Jr., Father Henry Brunsun, and all corporate officers of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Liberia Annual Conference to restore the status quo ante, allowing the S.T. Nagbe congregation to resume services and meetings at its 13th Street edifice in Sinkor.
This court decision comes amid a protracted and public dispute between the S.T. Nagbe congregation and the broader UMC hierarchy. The conflict centers on leadership authority and a fundamental disagreement over church doctrine, particularly concerning marriage and church governance.
Despite the Civil Law Court’s ruling, a separate, but related, case at the Monrovia City Court—which led to the temporary closure of the church—was heard on Monday. The judge reserved a ruling for Thursday.
During the arguments, defense counsel Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I argued that the temporary closure sought by the petitioners was legally improper. He contended that if the UMC believes it holds legal title to the church property, it should pursue an ejectment action or summary proceedings to recover possession, rather than a writ of summons. He urged the court to dismiss the “unmeritorious petition” and allow both parties to continue their legal battle at the Civil Law Court, where the primary matter is already pending.
Both sides were given ten minutes each for closing arguments. The petitioners cited Chapter 25, Section 25.3 of Liberian law, while the defense referenced Sections 3.31, 16.1, and 62.1 of the Civil Procedure Law, along with Article 20(a) of the Liberian Constitution.
The interim order remains in effect until the Civil Law Court issues a final ruling on the declaratory judgment petition.
The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has strongly condemned an alleged same-sex marriage ceremony that purportedly took place at the S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church. The LCC described the act as a violation of biblical teachings, the Liberian Constitution, and the moral values of the nation.
In a statement issued by its Chairman on Evangelism, Rev. Amminadab K. John, the LCC asserted that the ceremony “undermines the moral and spiritual foundation upon which Liberia stands” and violates the “holy word of God” as well as the country’s cultural heritage.
Quoting passages from Genesis, Leviticus, and Romans, Rev. John emphasized the church’s position that marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman, as defined in scripture. He urged all churches, ministers, and believers in Liberia to uphold biblical truth without compromise, balancing compassion with a firm rejection of what they consider to be sin.
“As a Christian nation in heritage and conviction, Liberia must stand firm on the truth that God’s standards are unchanging,” Rev. John said, calling on churches to reaffirm biblical teachings on marriage. He also urged the government to uphold existing laws that defend moral order and encouraged believers to pray for repentance and restoration.
The LCC confirmed it had engaged Bishop Samuel J. Quire, who responded on behalf of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, affirming the denomination’s alignment with the biblical definition of marriage. The Council urged the UMC Liberia Annual Conference to make its Book of Discipline or Articles of Faith publicly available to address speculation and maintain the moral standing of the church.
“The Church in Liberia will never support any act that does not align with the Holy Scriptures,” the statement concluded, stressing the need for unity among Christian leaders to safeguard the spiritual integrity of the faith community. The Liberia Council of Churches affirmed its commitment to witnessing, advocacy, and service that promote unity, social justice, good governance, and national reconciliation in Liberia.
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