MONROVIA: Latest report reaching this paper and confirmed indicates that a Liberian Pastor, Elijah Dajue, and others, described as ‘rebellious clergymen’ have been given “involuntary leave of absence” from the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
The “involuntary leave of absence,” this paper gathered, amounts to indefinite suspension.
The clergymen were suspended by the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia for their alleged involvement in rebellious activities aimed at breaking down the church for their alleged personal gains.
However, Pastor Elijah Dajue revealed report of his suspension in a public statement, highlighting that the church’s decision was not related to any criminal or immoral behavior, but rather, his opposition to the “regionalization” of homosexuality in the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
The pastor, who has been serving as a teacher in the J.J. Roberts United Methodist School (J.J. RUMS), disclosed that he was barred from entering the school’s premises to prepare his students for upcoming test.
“Yesterday, I received this letter of Involuntary (compulsory, by force expulsion) from the United Methodist Church in Liberia. Not because of crime, nor immorality, but for speaking the undiluted words of God,” Pastor Dajue wrote!
He continued: “Today, I went to J. J. Roberts United Methodist School (J.J. RUMS) to review my note and to prepare my students for their first period test next week. But, the leadership told me that they have been instructed not to allow me enter the school fence for a teaching purpose any more…”
However, Pastor Dajue added that he has no regret for the “persecution” he is experiencing.
“I have no regret, and I owe no apology to anyone. My message remains the same: regionalization is a cover up for homosexuality which the UMC in general has legalized. Every pastor in the church knows this but, due to fear of appointment and position, they are intimidated to accept and remain muted,” he said.
Meanwhile, the United Methodist Church in Liberia has rejected Pastor Dajue’s allegations.
The church, through its Human Rights Department Director, Jefferson Knight, said since June this year when the bishop returned from the Global Conference held in the United States of America (USA), he categorically rejected claims that the UMC Liberia Conference endorsed homosexuality.
Knight clarified that Pastor Dajue and other members of the church were given “involuntary leave of absence” due to their alleged refusal to submit to the council for investigation after making demeaning comments against the United Methodist Church Bishop, Samuel Quire.
Mr. Knight further narrated that Pastor Elijah Dajue is one of “rebellious clergy members” who are seeking to destabilize the church for personal gains.
In recent times, the United Methodist Church in Liberia has been facing confusion as regards its stance on same-sex marriage, which was endorsed in the United States by the Global Conference of the United Methodist Church earlier this year.
However, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has intervened, urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In a statement, Dr. Samuel Reeves Jr., president of the LCC, called for dialogue, warning that the ongoing division could hinder the spiritual growth of the church. The LCC vowed to continue mediating between Bishop Quire and the dissenting factions.
The controversy also originated from the United Methodist Church’s Global Conference held in May 2024, where the church repealed its 50-year ban on LGBTQ clergy and approved same-sex marriages.
In Liberia, however, many members have expressed strong opposition to these changes.
L. Olandor Boyce, Secretary of the Liberia Annual Conference Delegation, accused Bishop Quire of refusing to call a special session to address the church’s future in light of the global decision. Boyce claimed that while the bishop has publicly stated he does not support same-sex marriage, he continues to push for the “Regionalization Plan,” which would align the Liberian church with the global decision.
A group, supporting Bishop Quire has debunked Boyce’s claims against the Bishop .
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized in Liberia. Sections 14.74 and 14.79 of Liberia’s penal code classify consensual same-sex sexual activity as “voluntary sodomy,” a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to L$1,000.
While enforcement of these laws is uncommon, their existence can deter LGBT individuals from reporting crimes due to fear of arrest.
In 2012, two anti-LGBT bills were introduced. One bill sought to increase penalties for same-sex activity, while another aimed to categorize same-sex marriage as a first-degree felony.
Though neither bill was passed, the debate underscored the societal tension surrounding LGBT rights in Liberia.