MONROVIA, LIBERIA – As the rift within the United Methodist Church (UMC) over same-sex marriage deepens, the Liberian Senate has taken steps to address concerns over the government’s stance on the controversial issue. Senate leadership has summoned Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and prominent figures from the UMC to shed light on the legal implications of the church’s internal strife, which has been fueled by conflicting positions on same-sex marriage.
The call for a public hearing comes after River Cess County Senator Wellington Smith expressed his growing concerns about the escalating division within the church, which has now split into two factions. On one side is Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, who strongly condemns Bishop Samuel Quire, accusing him of endorsing same-sex marriage. Kulah’s faction has become increasingly vocal in its opposition to the bishop’s stance, heightening tensions and causing unrest within the UMC.
Senator Smith, in his communication to the Senate, pointed to the rising incidents of violence and disruption within the church, which he argues are directly tied to the controversy over same-sex marriage. The senator raised the question of whether the government’s silence on the matter might be interpreted as tacit approval of practices that contradict the country’s legal framework on marriage.
Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and Senator Smith has called into question whether the government’s failure to act in the face of the UMC crisis signifies an implicit endorsement of same-sex marriage. He expressed concern that the lack of a clear stance from the executive branch could undermine the authority of existing laws and further divide the church and the broader Liberian community.
During a Senate session on Tuesday, Senator Smith posed two critical questions: first, whether same-sex marriages are occurring within the UMC; and second, whether the government’s continued silence on the issue is a signal of support for a practice that directly challenges Liberia’s legal definition of marriage.
“My concern is whether the practice of same-sex marriage is happening within the church,” Senator Smith stated. “Given the chaos this issue has caused in the church, it’s important to know if the government’s inaction is a sign of endorsement.”
In light of these concerns, the Senate Plenary voted to convene a public hearing on Thursday, March 6, 2025, inviting Cllr. Tweh and UMC leaders to clarify the government’s position on the issue. The hearing aims to address the legal and moral dimensions of the dispute and provide much-needed clarity on the government’s role in regulating same-sex marriage and upholding Liberia’s laws on marriage.
