S.T. NAGBE METHODIST CHURCH CONDEMNS BISHOP QUIRE

The congregation of the historic S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church in Monrovia has sharply criticized the recent decision by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) of the United Methodist Church (UMC), to temporarily close the church. The congregation has described the move as unilateral, unjustified, and driven by deep doctrinal disagreements over the redefinition of marriage within the global UMC. In a strongly worded three-page statement issued Thursday, August 8, the leadership of S.T. Nagbe revealed that they first learned of the closure through a Facebook post on the night of Wednesday, August 6, rather than via any formal communication from the bishop’s office. According to the LAC’s public notice, the closure was allegedly due to “disruption of worship, interruption of Holy Communion, and hostile behavior towards appointed pastors.” However, the S.T. Nagbe leadership has firmly rejected these allegations, stating that the accusations are unfounded and mask the true issue at hand the congregation’s refusal to accept the UMC’s new global definition of marriage, adopted during the 2024 General Conference. The revised definition of marriage within the UMC recognizes unions beyond the traditional biblical framework of one man and one woman. This change, widely debated across Methodist conferences worldwide, has faced strong opposition from many congregations in Liberia, including S.T. Nagbe. “Our opposition to the newly adopted marriage definition is based on unwavering commitment to the Holy Scriptures,” the statement reads. “We believe that marriage, as ordained by God, is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman. Any attempt to redefine this is a departure from biblical truth.” The congregation insists that their position aligns with the longstanding doctrinal stance of the church in Liberia and that they will not compromise on this core theological belief. S.T. Nagbe’s leaders accuse Bishop Quire of using the temporary closure as a retaliatory measure to silence their opposition and force compliance with the new UMC policy. “It is troubling that instead of fostering open dialogue and mutual respect on matters of faith, the Bishop has chosen to disrupt worship, scatter the flock, and attempt to intimidate those who hold to biblical convictions,” the statement adds. The leadership further stressed that worship at S.T. Nagbe has always been conducted in an orderly manner, and there has been no legitimate cause for interference with Holy Communion or pastoral leadership. Despite the closure order, the congregation is calling for peaceful resistance and unity among members, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. “We will not be deterred by unjust actions. Our loyalty is first to God and His Word. The church is not merely a building it is the body of believers, and that body remains unshaken,” the statement affirms. The congregation has also called on fellow Methodist believers, both in Liberia and abroad, to pray for resolution and for the global church to remain faithful to its biblical foundations. Founded several years ago, S.T. Nagbe United Methodist Church is one of Liberia’s most prominent Methodist congregations, known for its role in community service, evangelism, and theological education. The church’s opposition to the 2024 UMC marriage policy reflects broader tensions within the denomination, which has seen multiple congregations and conferences worldwide resist implementation of the new definition. While the Bishop’s office has yet to respond to the congregation’s latest statement, S.T. Nagbe’s members remain resolute that their stance is both a matter of conscience and biblical obedience. “We stand where we have always stood on the unchanging truth of God’s Word,” the statement concludes.