Liberia: UMC Suspends Rev. Jerry P. Kulah Amid Allegations of Promoting GMC Agenda
Monrovia – The United Methodist Church (UMC) has suspended Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah with immediate effect, following recommendations from an investigative committee and the Church Counsel of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Rev. Kulah, Vice President at the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Professional Studies at the United Methodist University (UMU), faces multiple allegations of actions that allegedly undermine the UMC’s teachings, unity, and policies.
The suspension comes amid accusations that Rev. Kulah has been actively promoting the Global Methodist Church (GMC), a breakaway denomination opposed to same-sex marriage and the ordination of non-celibate LGBTQ clergy. Church officials have confirmed that an investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
Key Allegations
The UMC accuses Rev. Kulah of violating Paragraph 2702.1 (c, d, e, & f) of the UMC Discipline, citing the following actions:
Prioritizing GMC Doctrines
Rev. Kulah is alleged to have prioritized the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the GMC over the UMC’s Book of Discipline 2016, in contradiction to UMC teachings and laws.
He is accused of coordinating GMC-related projects, including the Mt. Horeb Global Methodist Church, a breakaway group that severed ties with the UMC in May 2022.
Overseeing GMC-Funded Projects
Rev. Kulah is reported to oversee initiatives like the Boway Development Association, funded by Mt. Horeb Church of Lexington, South Carolina. These projects allegedly operate in Liberia under the GMC banner, despite the UMC’s opposition.
Advocating for Disaffiliation
The UMC claims Rev. Kulah participated in a GMC meeting in Nairobi in September 2023, where strategies were discussed to disaffiliate African churches from the UMC and establish independent conferences aligned with the GMC.
Membership in Breakaway Groups
As a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA), Rev. Kulah is accused of supporting initiatives contrary to UMC teachings, spreading misinformation about the UMC, and coordinating the Africa Initiative, which UMC bishops have criticized for fostering division.
The UMC alleges that Rev. Kulah’s actions have created disunity within the church in Africa, violating the denomination’s commitment to unity.
Suspension Details
The suspension prohibits Rev. Kulah from preaching, teaching, counseling, or representing the UMC. He has been directed to return all UMC and UMU properties in his possession and to limit his activities to retrieving personal belongings.
To ensure continuity at the university, Rev. Dr. George Weagbe has been appointed as the new Vice President of the Graduate School. The UMU administration has assured students and faculty that academic and administrative activities will continue without disruption.
Additionally, students have been cautioned against attending any unauthorized meetings organized by Rev. Kulah. The university emphasized that it operates under institutional governance, not personal authority.
UMC’s Commitment to Integrity
The UMC stated that this decisive action reflects its commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its leadership while respecting due process principles.
The investigation into the allegations against Rev. Kulah remains ongoing, and the church has pledged to provide further updates as they become available.
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