In a move that underscores deepening divisions within the United Methodist Church (UMC), Dr. Muriel V. Nelson, the Conference Women President of the UMC in Liberia, has stepped down from her leadership role, citing profound disagreements with the denomination’s evolving stance on human sexuality and regionalization. Her resignation, effective immediately, also marks her departure from the UMC altogether.
Dr. Nelson’s decision comes after the Liberia Annual Conference ratified regionalization, a structural change allowing regional bodies greater autonomy, following broader shifts in the global UMC. However, it was the church’s recent decisions on human sexuality that proved the final catalyst for her resignation.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Liberia Annual Conference and the West Africa Central Conference Women, Nelson expressed dismay over the UMC’s 2020/2024 General Conference actions, which included the acceptance of homosexuality, the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy, and a redefinition of marriage. These changes, she argued, have sown discord among Liberian Methodist women, fracturing unity and leading some to form splinter groups or leave the church entirely.
“The Women’s Organization has always maintained its autonomy while staying connected to the church’s missions,” Nelson wrote. “But as this new quadrennial introduces unfamiliar and troubling changes, I can no longer, in good conscience, serve in an executive role.”
Nelson clarified that her resignation was not the result of disciplinary action or personal grievance but a deeply prayerful choice. She framed her departure as a matter of spiritual integrity, prioritizing conviction over institutional loyalty.
“This is not about false suspension or material loss,” she emphasized. “It is about seeking God’s will and walking in peace.”
Her message to fellow Methodist women was one of personal discernment. She encouraged them to reflect prayerfully on how to navigate the evolving landscape of the UMC, whether by remaining, joining alternative Methodist movements, or finding new spiritual homes.
Nelson’s resignation highlights the ongoing tension within the UMC as it grapples with theological and cultural divides. While some Liberian Methodists support the denomination’s progressive direction, others, like Nelson, see it as a departure from biblical teachings.
As the UMC moves forward with regionalization, allowing different geographic areas to adapt policies, the hope for some is a reduction in conflict. But for leaders like Nelson, the changes have already crossed a line that faith cannot reconcile.
Her departure leaves a significant leadership gap and raises questions about how many more Liberian Methodists may follow her example. For now, her call remains clear: that each individual must seek their own path, one that aligns with their conscience and commitment to God.
As the UMC continues to redefine itself, voices like Dr. Muriel Nelson’s serve as a reminder that for many, faith is not just about structure but sacred conviction. Her resignation is not just an end, it’s a statement on where the line is drawn when belief and institution diverge.
