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ADNews-Monrovia: It’s important to clarify that it’s both misguided and trivial to believe that the United Methodist Church has the authority to enact same-sex marriage laws in Liberia.
By Samson Moseray
It’s important to state that it’s both misguided and trivial to believe that the United Methodist Church has the authority to enact same-sex marriage laws in Liberia. The very idea of debating this issue is nonsensical. According to Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law, Title 9, marriage is defined as a civil status—a personal relationship arising from a civil contract between a man and a woman. This law is the only active and recognized legislation. How can our church go against this? The narrative being pushed by the breakaway members is simply a form of lazy propaganda.
On December 18, 2023, Pope Francis approved non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples—not the unions themselves—through a document titled Fiducia supplicans from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. This document states that “…the Church does not have the authority to bless unions of consenting partners.” Did this change the beliefs of Catholic members or lead to a breakaway? No! Our local society does not recognize same-sex marriage, so why would anyone think that what was approved in the U.S. could be adopted and enacted here?
The issue of ownership regarding these churches leaves me feeling weak and frustrated. Every church, school, hospital, or parsonage built in the name of the United Methodist Church (UMC) belongs to the church as a whole, not to individuals. No single person holds ownership rights over any property belonging to the UMC. While the Constitution grants every citizen the right to part ways, especially when their happiness and well-being are at stake, it is important to recognize that you do not have the right to claim ownership of anything belonging to an institution. It’s commendable for the church to acknowledge everyone who contributed to its growth, but you cannot expect something in return. It’s similar to giving your spouse money while you are happy; after a divorce, you cannot demand back everything you spent during the marriage. That simply doesn’t make sense.
Lastly, the conflict within the church stems from a small group of elders who are unhappy with the current leadership and believe they have ownership rights over the UMC. If you wish to leave because you feel the Bishop isn’t making the right decisions, that’s your choice. However, tarnishing the reputation of the United Methodist Church and labeling it as a “gay church” is nonsensical.
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