Liberia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church Responds to Statements by Retired Bishop Arthur F. Kulah

Monrovia – The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) through its Executive Committee, has issued a response to recent remarks made by 91-year-old Retired Bishop Arthur F. Kulah concerning active Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., a fellow member of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church.

In a statement, the LAC/UMC characterized these remarks as “unfortunate, unwarranted, and unprecedented” within the Church’s history. Nevertheless, the LAC/UMC expressed appreciation for previous statements of solidarity issued by Retired Bishops John G. Innis and Arthur F. Kulah on October 27, 2024. Their joint statement, titled “A Joint Solidarity Statement to the Membership of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church,” supported outcomes from the recent 2020-2024 General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

The Church confirms the authenticity and documentation of the joint statement from Bishops Kulah and Innis, which upheld Church unity and affirmed decisions made at the General Conference, adding that although Bishop Kulah has since distanced himself from this statement, reportedly due to family pressures, he initially conceived the idea and signed it voluntarily.

The Liberia Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church noted that the retired bishops’ joint statement aligns with the Africa College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church’s communiqué from September 11, 2024, and with statements from the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church.

The communiqué included commitments by eleven African episcopal leaders to support a unified and adaptable UMC structure, reinforcing their dedication to mission work contextualized to African communities. “The Church remains vibrant in Africa and committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” stated the President of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Tracy S. Malone.

The LAC/UMC affirms the leadership of Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., commending his inclusive approach to ministry over the past eight years, which has engaged all members of the Church, from youth to elders.

While acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by Bishops Innis and Kulah during their respective terms, the LAC/UMC emphasizes that each leader has responded to unique trials in their own ways.

The statement added: “Therefore, the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church respectfully urges Retired Bishop Kulah to avoid partisanship, particularly concerning familial connections, in matters related to the LAC/UMC.”

Said the Church: “We wish to remind the Retired Bishop Arthur F. Kulah that his continuous collaboration with suspended Pastors in the public space and at the same time making denigrating and demeaning statement against the current Bishop is a violation of the of the United Methodist Church 2016 Book of Discipline paragraph 2702(f). He risked being formally complained before the Council of Bishop of the United Methodist Church.

Expressing unwavering support for Bishop Quire and his family, the Church offers prayers for divine guidance and protection during this challenging period. The LAC/UMC reiterates that while Bishop Quire remains open to dialogue and reconciliation, he remains faithful in protecting the integrity of The United Methodist Church. Thus, all LAC/UMC members must abide by its teachings, any clergy and lay persons violating Church laws will be managed in accordance with the United Methodist Church 2016 Book of Discipline and the standards of the Board of Ordained Ministry.

In closing, the LAC/UMC calls upon all United Methodists in the Liberia Episcopal Area to seek strength and unity in the Lord, invoking Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

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