Supreme Court Issues Directive in Dispute Involving UMC Annual Conference, Refers Judge Konto to a Conference

Gbarnga, Bong County: Supreme Court Justice in Chambers, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Has instructed all proceedings to continue related to the United Methodist Church Annual Conference in Gbarnga, Bong County. 

The Chambers’ Justice of the high court has also summoned Judge Boima Konto of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for a conference.

Justice Gbeisay's legal directive follows an injunction issued by Judge Boima Konto, the Resident Circuit Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, on the evening of February 14, 2025.

In his communication, Justice Gbeisay stated to Judge Konto, “By order of His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, all parties involved in the matter is scheduled for a conference on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The conference will review the case involving the United Methodist Church Liberia Annual Conference and its conflict with local government authorities.”

The petitioners, represented by Rev. JI Joel Gould, Administrative Assistant, and Tolbert Nyenswah, Conference Lay Leader, have requested that all court proceedings be stayed while their case is under review. They are also seeking to maintain the status quo, allowing the United Methodist Church's activities to continue without interruption pending the court's decision.

His Honor J. Boima Konto, the 1st Respondent and the Resident Circuit Judge presiding over the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Bong County, along with L. Orlando Boyce, the 2nd Respondent and District Lay Leader for the St. Paul River District in Gbarnga, are expected to attend the conference on Tuesday, which will be presided over by Justice Gbeisay.

The directive emphasizes that the church’s operations in Liberia should proceed as if no legal actions have been initiated. Consequently, all further legal proceedings will be halted until after the scheduled conference.

Cllr. Sam Mamulu, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, has confirmed that all parties have been officially notified and are expected to attend the upcoming session.

Edited; E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.