Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) is set to convene its 192nd Annual Session from February 10-16, 2025, in Gbarnga City, Bong County. This momentous gathering will bring together thousands of accredited delegates from all 20 districts and two circuits across Liberia, along with distinguished international guests, including Bishop James Boye-Caulker of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area and Bishop Ande Ikimun Emmanuel of the Nigeria Episcopal Area.
According to release, representatives from the Michigan and Ohio Annual Conferences in the United States will also be in attendance to grace the occasion. The Liberia Annual Conference, which has been a cornerstone of Methodism in Liberia since 1821, serves as a crucial platform for policy-making, reviewing church activities, elections of annual conference officials for the next quadrennium and ratification of the 2020/2024 General Conference decisions on Worldwide Regionalization.
The release further noted that the conference will also deliberate on key resolutions affecting the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, particularly in alignment with the West Africa Central Conference (WACC) resolutions and recent amendments to Paragraph 540 of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2020/2024.
“These decisions reaffirm the church’s commitment to upholding traditional biblical principles, Scripture, particularly regarding the definition of marriage which the LAC/UMC believes to be between a man and a woman, in accordance with Liberia’s cultural values, traditions, and civil marriage laws,” the release stated.
It adds that the theme “…And Know That I Am God” for this year’s annual session is drawn from Psalm 46, emphasizing God’s unwavering presence, power, and protection over His people. The passage serves as a reminder that God stands as a refuge, a source of strength, and a stronghold for His people in all circumstances.
“Against the backdrop of global challenges—including health crises, wars, looming deportation, economic uncertainty, and spiritual trials—the conference will encourage members to trust in God as the Help of the helpless, Hope of the hopeless, and the Defense of the defenseless.”
The United Methodist Church has played a pivotal role in Liberia’s spiritual, educational, and political development. The church has been instrumental in the Christianization and education of Liberians and foreigners, with institutions such as The Gbarnga School of Theology, United Methodist University, College of West Africa (CWA), J.J. Roberts United Methodist School, United Methodist Schools System across the country and Ganta United Methodist School serving as legacies of its commitment to knowledge and true faith of God.
The annual session will be presided over by Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area and President of the West Africa Central Conference College of Bishops.
Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Lay Leader of the Liberia Annual Conference, stated, “Gbarnga, Bong County, will be filled with the Holy Spirit as the people called United Methodists celebrate the uniqueness of Jesus Christ the true son of God.”
Meanwhile, the host district superintendent, Rev. Peter Flomo Kaykpah, assured residents and United Methodists gathered in Gbarnga not to harbor fear, saying, “Christ is on the vessel, we shall fear no storm” (Mark 4:35-41). He emphasized that they are well prepared to host the event.
The occasion will be graced by accredited Annual Conference officials, District Lay Leaders, visiting bishops, retired bishops, clergy, and laity from across Liberia and beyond. As the Liberia Annual Conference embarks on its 192nd session, it remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the spiritual, social, and moral fabric of the nation, ensuring that the values of Methodism continue to uplift communities and shape Liberia’s future.
The United Methodist Church extends its appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Liberia—through the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Liberia National Police, the Office of the Superintendent of Bong County, and the peace-loving people of Bong County—for their continued and steadfast support