UMC Liberian Delegation Secretary Criticizes Church Leadership Over Same-Sex Marriage at U.S. Conference

The Secretary General of the Liberian Delegation to the 2024 United Methodist General Conference in the United States, has expressed strong opposition to UMC Liberia Bishop Samuel Quire’s position on regionalization, while also condemning the practice of homosexuality within the church.

L. Olandor Boyce statements come after protests from congregants  of two of the United Methodist churches in Liberia, who accused Bishop Quire of suspending their pastors for taking a stand against same-sex marriage.

At New Georgia United Methodist Church, members voiced frustration over the suspension of Rev. Leo T. Mayson due to his outspoken opposition to same-sex marriage and regionalization while leaders of the 72nd United Methodist Church have declared their independence from the UMC in Liberia, vowing to operate autonomously until a clear stance is taken against same-sex marriage.

During a live appearance on Prime FM in Monrovia, Boyce reiterated his disapproval of same-sex marriage and regionalization, criticizing Bishop Quire for what he described as a contradiction in supporting one while opposing the other.

Boyce underscored the importance of clear leadership ahead of the upcoming Annual Conference in February 2025, where key decisions on same-sex marriage and regionalization are expected to be made through a two-thirds vote.

Boyce urged Bishop Quire to communicate the outcomes of the 2024 General Conference to the Liberian UMC membership and to convene a meeting to discuss these critical issues before the February conference.

He emphasized the need for members to engage in these discussions early, especially considering that the Annual Conference will also be an election year for several leadership positions within the church.

Citing his own research on regionalization, Boyce argued that it places restrictive and anti-democratic limitations on church members, particularly in African regions.

He criticized the strategy for imposing uniform standards across diverse cultural contexts, grouping African countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria together, while allowing leaders in the U.S. to operate with more autonomy.