MONROVIA-In spite of the current turbulence facing the United Methodist Church in terms of the breakaways and taking over of some of its facilities as a result of the same sex marriage embroilment, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has assured all Methodists that the Church will prevail and overcome all forms of opposition, while reaffirming its strength, unity, and divine foundation.
Bishop Quire who is Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church also stressed that “The gates of hell will never prevail against the United Methodist Church in Liberia. It is a Church of God, and those spreading lies against it will be put to shame and the Liberian people will know the truth.”
Speaking recently during the 78th Session of the St. John River District Conference, held at the Camphor United Methodist Mission in Tubmanville, Doubah Town, where he also consecrated twenty-five (25) deaconesses from various local congregations within the district, Bishop Quire further reiterated that the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has not endorsed, does not endorse, and will never endorse or perform same-sex marriage, dismissing as false and misleading claims being circulated by supporters of another denomination.
According to him, the doctrine, discipline, and moral teachings of The United Methodist Church in Liberia remain firmly grounded in Scripture and the historic teachings of the Christian faith.
Bishop Quire clarified that such claims are deliberate attempts to confuse members and discredit the church, but he stressed that the Liberia Annual Conference remains unwavering in its convictions and united in its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Speaking during the consecration ceremony, Bishop Quire reminded the newly consecrated deaconesses of their sacred responsibility to promote unity within the church and to serve as compassionate caregivers to the sick, vulnerable, and needy in their communities.
“Do not go and act as pastors,” Bishop Quire cautioned. “Assist your pastors in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Continue to pray and continue to serve faithfully.”
He emphasized that in times of challenge, the strength of the church is often sustained by the prayers and devotion of deaconesses, whom he described as “the fire in the church.”
The newly consecrated deaconesses pledged to remain faithful to the ministries they have already begun in their respective congregations. They vowed to serve the church diligently through prayer, offerings, outreach, and Christian witness.
Bishop Quire also praised United Methodists in the St. John River and Grand Bassa District Conferences for standing firm despite ongoing disruptions by another denomination.
He commended their loyalty and resilience in preserving the identity and mission of The United Methodist Church.
“We have no ecumenical relationship with the Global Methodist Church (GMC). Let it be made clear,” Bishop Quire stated. “We will use the law to reclaim all United Methodist properties that have been illegally taken by the GMC.”
The Bishop reaffirmed the Episcopal Office’s commitment to protecting the church’s spiritual mission and legal rights across the Liberia Annual Conference.
The 78th Session of the St. John River District Conference runs from Monday, December 8, to Thursday, December 14, 2025. Bishop Quire, accompanied by Mother Quire, honored the district’s invitation with a pastoral visit to encourage delegates and local leadership.
Bishop Quire also visited the Grand Bassa District Conference, reinforcing the Episcopal Office’s ongoing commitment to unity, spiritual growth, and administrative stability across the Liberia Annual Conference.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
