Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) strongly condemns the recent statements made by Representative Anthony F. Williams of District #2, Maryland County, as published in The New Dawn newspaper on October 31, 2025, under the headline “Anti-Gay Sentiments Rock House Sitting.”
The publication quotes Rep. Williams as saying, “They are uneasy regarding homosexuals; whenever there is an agenda regarding that, they throw it. At the same time, we invited the United Methodist Church Bishop to explain what is going on clearly. There was nothing; they were expelled out.”
The United Methodist Church in Liberia categorically rejects these statements as false, misleading, and a direct attack on the integrity of one of Liberia’s largest and most respected religious institutions.
Following official invitations from both the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate, the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church appeared before the relevant committees and submitted all required documents clearly outlining the Church’s position on matters relating to human sexuality, scriptural interpretation, and Christian doctrine. These submissions were made in good faith, with full transparency, and in keeping with the Church’s longstanding commitment to cooperation with national institutions and respect for lawful processes.
It is therefore unacceptable and irresponsible for a sitting lawmaker to misrepresent facts to the Liberian public for political gain or media attention. Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, expressed deep disappointment over Rep. Williams’s remarks:
“The United Methodist Church in Liberia has always acted in truth and transparency. We have engaged both houses of the legislature with respect and clarity. For a lawmaker to distort this reality is not only disrespectful but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the moral credibility of the Church. Such actions do nothing to advance the welfare of the people he was elected to serve.”
The LAC/UMC calls on Rep. Williams to redirect his energy toward improving the living conditions of the people of Pleebo and its surrounding communities, who continue to face serious challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and high unemployment. The people of Maryland County deserve leadership that prioritizes development, education, and social welfare—not divisive rhetoric intended to inflame social tensions or question the moral integrity of faith-based institutions.
“The Church will not be distracted by political grandstanding,” Bishop Quire added. “Instead of attacking the Church and misinforming the public, Rep. Williams should focus on fulfilling his duty to his constituents—by addressing poverty, creating opportunities for youth, and ensuring basic social services in Maryland County.”
The LAC/UMC emphasizes that while the topic of homosexuality remains a sensitive matter, it does not define Liberia’s national priorities, nor does it justify misrepresentation or attacks on religious institutions. The United Methodist Church in Liberia continues to uphold its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, welcoming all people, and remaining faithful to its biblical teachings and the marriage laws of the Republic of Liberia.
The Church views Rep. Williams’s remarks as a personal and political attack on its integrity and warns against further attempts to use the Church as a tool for political relevance. It urges all public officials to speak truthfully, responsibly, and respectfully about religious institutions that have long contributed to Liberia’s moral, spiritual, and social development.
The LAC/UMC further reminds Rep. Williams that only the Government of Liberia, through its National Legislature, has the constitutional authority to enact laws regarding marriage—not the Church. His statement demonstrates a clear misunderstanding of Liberia’s existing marriage laws and the legal boundaries between church and state.
The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church operates fully under the laws of the Republic of Liberia and remains law-abiding and committed to national development through education, healthcare, and humanitarian service.
The United Methodist Church in Liberia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to peace, truth, and unity, and calls on all Liberians—especially elected leaders—to engage in honest dialogue and focus on building a nation founded on integrity, respect, and service to humanity
