Bishop Quire Advocates for Stability Amid Controversy in Liberia’s United Methodist Church
Bishop Samuel Quire calls for calm in Liberia amid UMC’s same-sex marriage controversy, reaffirming traditional marriage. He highlights the divisions within the church, especially with the formation of the Global Methodist Church as a conservative alternative. Bishop Quire emphasizes the need for stability while adhering to traditional values and urges local churches to focus on their core mission.
The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, Samuel Quire, is calling for calm amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding same-sex marriage within the United Methodist Church (UMC). Bishop Quire has reaffirmed the traditional definition of marriage, asserting that it is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. His stance reflects the conservative position prevalent in many African branches of the UMC, which have resisted progressive changes embraced by some congregations in the U.S. and Europe.
The UMC has been experiencing significant divisions, with some congregations disaffiliating over differing views on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy. The emergence of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) is a direct response to these disagreements, aiming to provide a more conservative alternative for congregations that oppose such progressive changes. Bishop Quire’s statement encapsulates the deeper theological and cultural divides present within the global UMC.
Bishop Quire emphasized that “Marriage must align with biblical teachings and the laws of our nation,” demonstrating a commitment to traditional values that many African UMC churches uphold. He recognizes that tensions from the global schism are impacting local communities, yet he encourages unity and a focus on the church’s mission of discipleship and biblical instruction.
As the church navigates its relationship with the global denomination in upcoming years, it remains to be seen how the UMC in Liberia will balance these cultural and theological differences. Bishop Quire’s reaffirmation of traditional marriage and his efforts to assure congregations of their stability reflect a desire to maintain the church’s core responsibilities within the community.
Bishop Samuel Quire’s reaffirmation of traditional marriage highlights the ongoing divisions within the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ+ inclusion. His call for calm and stability within the church in Liberia indicates an effort to uphold conservative values in the face of broader global debates. The UMC continues to grapple with its identity amid these theological and cultural tensions, as Bishop Quire urges a focus on core Christian teachings and community involvement.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
