Monrovia – The President of the West Africa Central Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC), Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has clarified that a recent U.S.-based church ruling will have no bearing on West African UMC policies, reaffirming the Conference’s commitment to biblical standards and local laws that prohibit same-sex marriage.
Bishop Quire, who also serves as the Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, made the statement following the United Methodist Council of Bishops’ meeting held in Chicago, Illinois, where Judicial Council Decision 1516 was issued. The ruling reiterates that UMC clergy worldwide cannot be forced to perform or prohibited from performing marriages, including those involving same-sex couples, based on personal conscience.
However, in a press release issued on May 31, Bishop Quire emphasized that the decision “does not affect the West Africa Central Conference or any of its Annual Conferences,” adding that “cultural, traditional, and legal frameworks in West Africa differ significantly from other regions.”
“The Liberia Annual Conference and all Annual Conferences within the West Africa Central Conference have made their position clear: Reject same-sex marriage; uphold biblical standards and the laws,” Bishop Quire stated.
The Bishop noted that Judicial Council Decision 1516 reaffirms pastors’ discretion over church property use for religious services, including weddings. However, he stressed that the decision does not override Paragraph 544.15 of the UMC Book of Discipline, which gives Central Conferences the authority to establish marriage policies in line with their local contexts. That authority, he said, may also be delegated to Annual Conferences.
In West Africa, the Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria Annual Conferences, during their respective sessions in February and March 2025, voted to define marriage as strictly between one man and one woman—a definition consistent with national laws in these countries.
Bishop Quire said that, under this regional policy, “no pastor within the West Africa Central Conference is authorized to perform same-sex marriages.” He also warned that the recent U.S.-based ruling does not give clergy license to break national laws where same-sex marriage is prohibited.
“We respect and honor the legal frameworks of our countries and urge all pastors, members, and the public to do the same,” he added.
Despite ongoing debates and divisions within the global UMC over LGBTQ inclusion, Bishop Quire called for unity, prayer, and a continued focus on the Church’s core mission:
“To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
He acknowledged the diversity within the global United Methodist Church and urged members to remain respectful of differing theological and cultural convictions.
“We are a global Church—diverse in culture and context—yet called to be one in Christ,” he said. “Let us remain focused on our mission, even in the midst of these challenges.”
The clarification comes at a time when growing theological rifts have led to denominational splits and regional autonomy movements across the global Methodist community.
