The Global Methodist Church of Liberia (GMC) has strongly refuted vandalism accusations leveled by the United Methodist Church (UMC) leadership, calling the claims a deliberate smear campaign ahead of their historic national conference.
In an official statement released Thursday, the GMC challenged UMC Bishop Samuel Quire to provide evidence for his allegations that GMC members damaged Ganta Hospital during recent celebrations. The church noted the absence of police reports or hospital complaints to substantiate the claims, which surfaced days before the GMC’s July 7-13 convening conference at the disputed Ganta Mission Station.
The controversy stems from a Nimba County Circuit Court ruling that awarded property rights of the entire Ganta Mission complex—including the hospital, schools, and surrounding facilities—to the GMC faction formerly known as the Gompa District Conference of UMC. Court records confirm the June 2025 judgment dismissed UMC’s ownership claims, legally transferring control to the breakaway group.
“These properties now legally belong to our congregation through due process,” the GMC statement emphasized. “Why would we destroy what the court has rightfully granted us?” The church questioned the timing of the vandalism allegations, suggesting they aimed to disrupt their upcoming conference marking Liberia’s formal establishment as a GMC annual conference.
The GMC revealed both denominations had previously clashed over the properties through proper legal channels, with the court ultimately determining the former Gompa District members held legitimate ownership rights upon their transition to the new denomination.
While urging UMC leadership to pursue any grievances through judicial means rather than public accusations, the GMC instructed its Mount Nimba District members to avoid confrontations and document any harassment. The statement stressed their commitment to resolving disputes lawfully, citing their successful court battle as evidence of this principle.
Amid the tensions, the GMC reaffirmed its core mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and promoting scriptural holiness. The denomination emphasized its vision for members to “flourish in holiness, love extravagantly, and witness boldly” despite the current controversy.
As preparations continue for next week’s conference—the first national gathering since Liberia’s GMC churches gained full denominational status—local authorities have increased security around the Ganta Mission Station. Both the Liberia Council of Churches and Nimba County officials have offered to mediate the escalating dispute between the Methodist factions.
The GMC concluded its statement by inviting independent investigators to assess the hospital’s condition, asserting their willingness to face legal consequences if any evidence of vandalism by their members emerges. Meanwhile, UMC leadership has yet to respond to requests for documentation supporting their claims.
