Drama at 72nd UMC: Pastor Changes Church Name After Being Replaced

A major shake-up has hit the 72nd United Methodist Church after Bishop Samuel Quire made new pastoral appointments. After the conclusion of the UMC conference in Gbarnga, Bong County, Bishop Samuel Quire announced new pastoral appointments, which included the replacement of Rev. Kenneth Jackson with another pastor. This move has intensified existing tensions within the church, particularly concerning the regionalization of LGBTQ issues.

For some time, the 72nd UMC has been grappling with internal disagreements over the church’s stance on LGBTQ matters. The global UMC’s adoption of the Regionalization Plan during the 2024 General Conference, which permitted same-sex marriages within the denomination, was met with resistance from parts of the Liberian congregation. Rev. Jackson emerged as a vocal critic of this decision, preaching fervently against the inclusion of same-sex marriages in church practices.

In response to his reassignment, Rev. Jackson took decisive action by renaming the church to 72nd Global Methodist Church, effectively severing ties with the UMC. He justified this move by expressing his commitment to uphold what he believes are traditional biblical teachings, referring to same-sex marriage as “demonic” and vowing not to lead his congregation astray.

This development is part of a broader conflict within the Liberian UMC community. In October 2024, members of the 72nd UMC, along with other congregations, protested against the acceptance of same-sex marriages and called for the resignation of Bishop Quire. These protests highlighted the deep divisions and the struggle to reconcile differing views on LGBTQ inclusion within the church.

The situation at the 72nd UMC underscores the challenges religious institutions face when addressing evolving social issues. As the church navigates this period of transformation, the path forward remains uncertain, with the potential for further divisions or a reevaluation of existing policies.