By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer
Monrovia, Capitol Hill –Saturday, March 8, 2025-In response to the ongoing crisis within the United Methodist Church (UMC), the Senate, through its joint committee on Internal Affairs, Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, along with the Judiciary, Claims, and Petition Committee, has commenced mediation efforts as mandated by the Senate Plenary.
On today, March 7, 2025, the joint committee convened a hearing with key stakeholders, including Rev. Dr. Jerry Kullah and his delegation, the Honorable Minister of Justice, and the Liberia National Police (LNP). Due to the absence of Bishop Samuel J. Quire and his congregation, who were unable to attend as a result of bereavement, a three-member committee was appointed to relay the committee’s concerns and recommendations.
According to an official press release from the Senate Press Public Affairs bureau signed by Oscar Dorley, the Senate saw the need to intervene in order to stop present situation from further escalation thus avoid violence and destruction.
That said, the release enumerated the following Key Resolutions from the Hearing to include:
1. Ensuring the full cooperation of all parties in the mediation process;
2. Preventing the use of state security forces to the detriment of any party;
3. Maintaining neutrality among state security agencies in addressing the crisis;
4. Encouraging both groups to actively work toward de-escalating tensions within their congregations;
5. Urging leadership on both sides to refrain from actions that could escalate the conflict while mediation is ongoing;
6. Advising that pastoral appointments in disputed churches be paused during negotiations;
7. Facilitating peaceful worship and assembly in all UMC churches across Liberia;
8. Requesting the Honorable Minister of Justice to formally communicate these resolutions to Bishop Quire and his leadership team.
“Meanwhile, the Senate has advised the Ministry of Justice to remain committed in fostering a peaceful and amicable resolution, and at the same time, calls on all stakeholders to remain committed in ensuring peace is restored,” the Senate release concluded.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
