UMC Responds to Supreme Court Chambers Ruling-Church Insists Ganta Property Ownership Stands

MONROVIA – The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church’s response to a Supreme Court Chambers ruling highlights the growing legal tension surrounding church property disputes in Liberia. While welcoming the lifting of a Stay Order sought against the Global Methodist Church, the LAC/UMC emphasized that the decision does not determine ownership of contested properties in Ganta, Nimba County. The dispute reflects broader divisions within global Methodism and raises questions about property rights, ecclesiastical authority, and judicial interpretation. As a Declaratory Judgment case remains pending before the Supreme Court, the church’s statement underscores its determination to pursue legal remedies while seeking an amicable and lawful resolution. THE ANALYST reports.

The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC) has issued a formal response to a February 24, 2026 ruling by Justice in Chambers, Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, welcoming the lifting of a Stay Order that the Church had sought against the Global Methodist Church (GMC) regarding the use of United Methodist properties at the Ganta United Methodist Mission in Ganta City, Nimba County.

In a statement released for immediate publication, the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church said it welcomes the decision while clarifying that the ruling does not grant property rights, ownership claims, or legal authority to the Global Methodist Church or its associates over United Methodist Church properties in Gompa District, Ganta, Nimba County.

STATEMENT FROM LAC/UMC

The statement reads:

The LAC/UMC welcomes the decision of the Justice in Chambers His Honor Yussif D. Kaba, Associate Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, lifting the ‘Stay Order’ which the UMC initially sought to place on the Global Methodist Church (GMC) regarding the forceful use of its properties at the Ganta United Methodist Mission in Ganta City, Nimba County.

The lifting of the prohibition does not in any way confer property rights, ownership claims, or legal authority to the GMC or its associates over any United Methodist Church properties in Gompa District, Ganta, Nimba County. Furthermore, this decision does not affect the Declaratory Judgment case currently on appeal before the Honorable Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia. That matter remains pending and subject to final judicial determination.”

UMC REAFFIRMS PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church maintained that the Ganta United Methodist Mission properties belong to the United Methodist Church in Liberia and remain under its lawful ownership and authority.

The Church reiterated that all individuals or institutions seeking to use the UMC Ganta Mission Station facilities must seek express permission and authorization through the Mission Stations Executives, the District Superintendent Rev. Patrick Z. Luogon, Bro. Benedict Domah, or through the UMC Central Office in Monrovia.

The Church warned that any attempt to use the facilities without approval from the leadership of the United Methodist Church constitutes a violation of the initial Declaratory Judgment granted by the Civil Law Court in favor of the UMC.

LEGAL ACTIONS CONTINUE

The Church also clarified that it is exploring additional legal options available to its counsels to prevent what it described as illegal use or occupation of its facilities in Gompa District, Nimba County.

“As a law-abiding institution, the United Methodist Church remains committed to respecting the rule of law and pursuing all remedies within the legal framework of the Republic of Liberia,” the statement said.

The Church further emphasized that it continues to seek an amicable resolution grounded in justice, order, and the protection of its lawful property rights.

BACKGROUND TO THE RULING

According to the statement, when the UMC prayed the Court for the Stay Order through a Writ of Prohibition, a conference between the parties had been scheduled for March 3, 2026.

However, the UMC Legal Team said it was surprised to learn that Justice in Chambers, Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba, advanced the meeting to Tuesday, February 24, 2026, where the matter was heard in Chambers with the parties present.

The Justice declined to issue the Writ and subsequently lifted the Stay Order that had initially been imposed.

The Church again emphasized that the lifting of the prohibition does not confer property rights, ownership claims, or legal authority to the Global Methodist Church or its associates.

According to sources, Church property disputes have intensified in several countries following divisions within the global Methodist movement. In Liberia, the dispute over the Ganta Mission properties reflects broader tensions about church authority, property ownership, and denominational alignment.

Legal analysts say the pending Declaratory Judgment appeal before the Supreme Court will ultimately determine ownership of the contested properties, while the current ruling clarifies only procedural issues regarding temporary restrictions.

For now, the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church says it remains committed to lawful resolution, dialogue, and protection of its mission properties.