MONROVIA – The Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice on Friday, October 24, 2025, denied a motion to dismiss filed by the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC-LAC) in a legal dispute with the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church over issues arising from the church’s 2024 Book of Discipline.
Presiding Judge J. Boima Kontoe ruled that the Stephen Trowen Nagbe Church, as a member congregation of the UMC-LAC, has legal standing and the capacity to seek judicial protection through a declaratory judgment petition, clearing the way for the case to proceed on its merits.
The Liberia Annual Conference, represented by Counsellors Emmanuel T. Reeves and Janniedel M. Haider, had requested the dismissal of the petition, arguing that the respondent congregation lacked independent legal status and could not bring a case against its parent body. They maintained that, under the UMC’s governing laws and incorporation statutes, only the Liberia Annual Conference is authorized to represent local churches in legal matters.
In response, the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church, represented by Attorney Jeremiah Dugbo I., argued that as a recognized member congregation, it possesses a “legally protected interest” under Liberia’s Associations Law. The congregation contended that it has the right to seek judicial redress in cases of closure, deprivation of worship, or seizure of property. It also cited constitutional provisions and Supreme Court precedents upholding its right to due process and access to judicial protection.
Judge Kontoe’s ruling emphasized that the Association Law of Liberia permits members or branches of a non-profit corporation to protect their collective legal interests through court action. He further noted that the Liberia Annual Conference had previously recognized the Stephen Trowen Nagbe Church as a distinct entity by suing it in the Monrovia City Court. “The law and equity alike abhor such inconsistency, for no party should be permitted to approbate and reprobate before courts of justice,” the judge stated.
The court therefore denied the motion to dismiss, sustaining the respondent congregation’s petition and allowing the matter to proceed to trial.
Following the ruling, lawyers representing the Liberia Annual Conference announced their intention to file an appeal in accordance with the law.
