The Global Methodist Church (GMC) has filed a bold motion in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Civil Law Court, demanding the rescission of a recent ruling in a high-stakes property dispute with the United Methodist Church (UMC). The motion also calls for His Honor Judge George Smith, who presided over the case, to recuse himself, citing serious concerns about his impartiality and judicial independence. The GMC, a breakaway faction of the UMC, is contesting ownership of critical assets, including schools, hospitals, universities, and worship centers, which have been at the heart of a contentious legal battle. The group argues that Judge Smith’s ruling in favor of the UMC was tainted by conflicts of interest, undermining the integrity of the judicial process. In their motion, the GMC presents compelling evidence of Judge Smith’s deep ties to the UMC, which they assert compromised his ability to deliver an unbiased verdict. The motion reveals that Judge Smith has been a lifelong member of the Martha Tubman United Methodist Church in Paynesville, where he continues to worship alongside his family.
More significantly, since 2022, Judge Smith has served on the Tubman Church Legal Committee, a position previously held by prominent UMC lawyer Cllr. George W. Sagbe, Sr. Further compounding the issue, the GMC highlights that Judge Smith’s sister, Mrs. Beatrice Smith-Williams, has served as the Finance Committee Chairperson of the Martha Tubman United Methodist Church since 2020. Additionally, her husband, Mr. Cephas Williams, holds influential roles within the UMC, including Associate Director of Education and key positions in the Office of the Bishop. These familial and professional connections, the GMC argues, create an undeniable conflict of interest, rendering Judge Smith incapable of adjudicating the case fairly. “The GMC firmly believes that Judge Smith’s close personal and family ties to the UMC have tainted his ruling,” said Rev. Dr. James T. Kollie, a spokesperson for the GMC. “This case is far too significant for Liberia’s religious and legal communities to be marred by even the appearance of bias. We are calling for the judgment to be vacated and for a neutral judge to rehear the case to ensure justice is served.” The GMC’s motion asserts that Judge Smith’s ruling constitutes an abuse of judicial discretion, as his affiliations with the UMC created a predisposition that favored the petitioner.
The breakaway Methodists are resolute in their demand for a fresh review of their claims by an impartial arbiter, emphasizing that only a fair and transparent process can restore confidence in the judicial outcome. Legal scholars have noted that the outcome of this motion could have profound implications, not only for the disputing factions within the Methodist community but also for the broader integrity of Liberia’s judiciary. “This case tests the judiciary’s ability to uphold impartiality in matters of significant public interest,” said Dr. Elizabeth T. Morris, a legal analyst based in Monrovia. “The allegations of bias, if substantiated, could prompt a reevaluation of how conflicts of interest are managed in Liberia’s courts.” The GMC remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, expressing confidence that a rehearing before an impartial judge will validate their claims to the contested properties. “We are not seeking preferential treatment,” Rev. Dr. Kollie added. “We are simply asking for a level playing field where the merits of our case can be judged without prejudice.” As the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court prepares to review the motion, the eyes of Liberia’s religious and legal communities are fixed on the proceedings. The GMC’s challenge underscores the importance of judicial neutrality and raises critical questions about the mechanisms in place to ensure fairness in Liberia’s legal system. The court’s decision on this matter will likely resonate far beyond the walls of the Methodist Church, shaping public trust in the judiciary for years to come.
