Dr. Auta Reaffirms GMC’s Commitment To Upholding Traditional Biblical Teachings Amidst Growing Tensions

By: Moses M. Tokpah

In a powerful display of resilience and conviction, the Episcopal leader of the Liberia Global Methodist Church, Bishop Dr. John Pena Auta has reaffirmed the church’s commitment to traditional biblical teachings, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion and ongoing property dispute between the church and the United Methodist Church.

A profound divide within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia continues to cause intense tensions and clashes over church properties and differing stances on same-sex marriage.

The conflict has led to police intervention, arrests, and a growing schism between traditionalists and those advocating for a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ issues.

This escalating dispute continues to break congregations apart across the nation and raising questions about the future of the UMC in Liberia. Several UMC churches in Liberia are experiencing significant unrest, highlighted by a recent confrontation at the 72nd United Methodist Church in Paynesville.

The dispute stems from disagreements over the church’s stance on same-sex marriage, igniting a breakaway faction that opposes the UMC’s evolving position.

The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) passed two key resolutions aimed at reaffirming the Church’s traditional stance on marriage and bolstering efforts to safeguard its properties.

The resolutions empower the Board of Trustees to take necessary legal actions to protect and recover all properties held in trust for the Church.

Tensions over the recovering of all properties have spread to other churches, including Miller McAllister Methodist Church in Ganta, New Georgia United Methodist Church, and EJ McGill Methodist Church, as congregants resist the appointment of new pastors and align themselves with the Global Methodist Church.

The turmoil reached a boiling point with the arrest of Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah, a vocal critic of same-sex marriage and a founding member of the Global Methodist Church.

Kulah’s arrest followed a violent confrontation at the 72nd United Methodist Church, where protesters clashed over control of the church property.

Following his release, Kulah condemned the UMC’s leadership and vowed to resist any efforts to impose same-sex marriage within the church.

In response to the escalating tensions, the detention and release of Rev. Kulah, the Episcopal leader of the Liberia GMC, Bishop Dr. John Pena Auta issued a pastoral letter, reaffirming the church’s unwavering stance against homosexuality.

Quoting scriptures, Bishop Auta urged members of the GMC to remain steadfast in their faith despite facing opposition and persecution, admonishing them to resist any pressure to alter long-standing doctrinal positions.

“As the Global Methodist Church in Liberia, we stand firm on biblical truth. We cannot and will not condone homosexuality,” Bishop Auta declared.

Bishop Auta asserted that Global Methodists are facing opposition because of their unwavering commitment to the truth of God’s Word just as Jesus stood for righteousness when he was ridiculed, rejected, and ultimately crucified.

Dr. Auta argued that the word of God is eternal and universal, and it is not to be regionalized or altered to fit cultural or societal trends. He continued that the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever using Isaiah 40:8 as a reference.

The Episcopal Leader then urged the GMC members to remain steadfast, and should not be shaken by opposition or repay evil with evil, but continue to walk in love and truth.

He pleaded with the congregation to ensure that their conduct reflects Christ, even in the face of persecution. He also challenged them to persevere knowing that their faithfulness to Christ will not go unrewarded.

Dr. Auta reminded them that the church of God has always faced trials, yet the gospel prevails noting that the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church and as such no persecution can stop the advancement of God’s kingdom.

The GMC’s Episcopal Leader assured the congregation that he stands with them in prayer and in solidarity.

He called on them to take heart and courage for Jesus also assured them that in the world they will have tribulation. Dr. Auta then empathized with the congregation for the ‘unjust treatment and persecution’ they are facing.

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