NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA – The Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Gonpa City, Nimba County, Samuel Quire, faced severe backlash from church members on Saturday, June 28, 2024, over reports that the church was considering accepting same-sex marriage. The congregation reacted with anger, booing and resisting the bishop during the incident.
The protestors were vocal in their opposition, chanting, “We don’t want same-sex marriage.” Many carried placards with messages condemning same-sex marriage. The atmosphere was charged as the demonstrators expressed their disapproval, creating a tumultuous scene at the church premises in Gonpa City.
Bishop Quire was eventually chased out of the church premises by the agitated protesters, who made it clear they would not tolerate any move toward accepting same-sex marriage within their church. The incident underscored the deep-seated resistance to same-sex marriage among the congregation members.
The protest not only highlighted the contentious issue within the United Methodist Church community but also raised questions about the church’s future direction on the matter. The church leadership has yet to make an official statement regarding the incident and the ongoing debate over same-sex marriage.
This event reflects broader societal tensions in Liberia regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. The strong opposition from the church members indicates a significant challenge for proponents of same-sex marriage in the region.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the United Methodist Church will address the concerns of its members and navigate the complex issue of same-sex marriage within its doctrine and practices.
