They will not budge.
Recently, the United Methodist Church in Liberia reaffirmed its stance against blessing same-sex unions and ordaining noncelibate homosexual clergy despite broader shifts within the denomination. Following the UMC General Conference’s decision to remove prohibitive rules from its Book of Discipline regarding these practices, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of Liberia stated unequivocally that the Liberia Annual Conference will not perform weddings or ordinations for self-avowed practicing homosexuals.
In a released statement, Bishop Quire emphasized the Liberia Annual Conference’s adherence to traditional interpretations of Holy Scripture and its commitment to evangelistic outreach. He asserted, “The United Methodist Church in Liberia is committed to ministering to all individuals in need of the redemptive grace of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that it is not characterized as a ‘GAY Church.'”
The decision reflects a broader division within the global UMC community. Some members of the Liberian conference are considering a special session to discuss potential separation from the UMC in response to the recent changes in the Book of Discipline. These changes, voted on at the UMC General Conference, removed bans on same-sex marriage ceremonies, the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals, and funding for LGBT advocacy groups. Additionally, the statement declaring homosexuality incompatible with Christian teaching was also eliminated.
These decisions have triggered significant responses across various UMC regions worldwide. Notably, the UMC Côte d’Ivoire Conference, with over a million members, opted to leave the denomination in response to these changes. Similarly, some churches and conferences have either departed from the UMC or declared their intentions not to permit same-sex weddings.
The UMC’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues has also prompted internal discussions and decisions within congregations like Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, which affirmed its adherence to the traditional definition of Christian marriage. Despite these shifts, the debate within the UMC continues to unfold as different regions and congregations navigate their theological interpretations and organizational affiliations in light of these changes.