Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) strongly condemns the recent statements made by Representative Anthony F. Williams, of District #2, Maryland County, as published in the NewDawn Newspaper on October 31, 2025, under the headline “Anti-gay sentiments rock House sitting.”
The publication quotes Rep. Williams as saying, “They are uneasy regarding homosexuals; whenever there is an agenda regarding that, they throw it. At the same time, we invited the United Methodist Church Bishop to explain what is going on clearly. There was nothing; they were expelled.”
The United Methodist Church in Liberia categorically views these statements as false, misleading, and a direct attack on the integrity of one of Liberia’s largest and most respected religious institutions.
Following official invitations from both the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate of the Republic of Liberia, the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church appeared before the relevant committees and submitted all required documents clearly outlining the Church’s position on matters relating to human sexuality, scriptural interpretation, and Christian doctrine. These submissions were made in good faith, with full transparency, and in keeping with the Church’s longstanding commitment to cooperation with national institutions and respect for lawful processes.
It is therefore unacceptable and irresponsible for a sitting lawmaker to misrepresent facts to the Liberian public for political gain or media attention.
Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, expressed deep disappointment over Rep. Williams’s remarks:
“The United Methodist Church in Liberia has always acted in truth and transparency. We have engaged both Houses of the Legislature with respect and clarity. For a lawmaker to distort this reality is not only disrespectful but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the moral credibility of the Church. Such actions do nothing to advance the welfare of the people he was elected to serve.”
The LAC/UMC calls on Rep. Williams to redirect his energy toward improving the living conditions of the people of Pleebo and its surrounding communities, who continue to face serious challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and high unemployment. The people of Maryland County deserve leadership that prioritizes development, education, and social welfare—not divisive rhetoric intended to inflame social tensions or question the moral integrity of faith-based institutions.
“The Church will not be distracted by political grandstanding,” Bishop Quire added. “Instead of attacking the Church and misinforming the public, Rep. Williams should focus on fulfilling his duty to his constituents—by addressing poverty, creating opportunities for youth, and ensuring basic social services in Maryland County.”
The LAC/UMC emphasizes that while the topic of homosexuality remains a sensitive matter, it does not define Liberia’s national priorities, nor does it justify misrepresentation or attacks on religious institutions. The United Methodist Church in Liberia continues to uphold its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, welcoming all people, and remaining faithful to its biblical teachings and the marriage laws of the Republic of Liberia.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia views Rep. Williams’s remarks as a personal and political attack on the Church’s integrity and warns against further attempts to use the Church as a tool for political relevance. The Church urges all public officials to speak truthfully, responsibly, and respectfully about religious institutions that have long contributed to Liberia’s moral, spiritual, and social development.
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church further reminds Rep. Williams that only the Government of Liberia, through its National Legislature, has the constitutional authority to enact laws regarding marriage, not the Church. The statement made by Rep. Williams demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of Liberia’s existing marriage laws and the legal boundaries between church and state.
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church operates fully under the laws of the Republic of Liberia and will continue to remain law-abiding and committed to national development through education, healthcare, and humanitarian service.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, truth, and unity. It calls on all Liberians—especially elected leaders—to engage in honest dialogue and focus on building a nation founded on integrity, respect, and service to humanity.
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