UMC Suspends Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah -Amid Myriad Allegations of Undermining Church Discipline

MONROVIA –The United Methodist Church (UMC) has with immediate effect suspended Rev. Dr. Jerry P. Kulah, Vice President for the Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Professional Studies, at the United Methodist University (UMU). This decision follows recommendations from the investigative committee and the Church Counsel of the Board of Ordained Ministry, citing violations under Paragraph 2702.1 (c, d, e, & f) of the UMC Discipline.

According to UMC press releases issued over the weekend, Rev. Kulah, a prominent campaigner for the Global Methodist Church (GMC), is accused of violations under Paragraph 2702.1 (d, e, & f) of the UMC Discipline.  church officials confirm that an investigation is ongoing. Rev. Kulah has been instructed to comply fully with the process, return all UMC and UMU properties in his possession, and restrict his activities to retrieving personal belongings.

“The suspension, effective immediately, arises from allegations of multiple infractions that undermine the UMC’s teachings, unity, and policies,” the UMC release noted.

Key allegations include the promotion of GMC Policies, wherein Rev. Dr. Kulah is accused of prioritizing the Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) over the UMC’s Book of Discipline 2016, contradicting UMC teachings and laws.

Rev. Kula is also accused of affiliating with the GMC by allegedly working as a coordinator for GMC-related projects, including a breakaway group, the Mt. Horeb Global Methodist Church, which severed ties with the UMC in May 2022.

The UMC then accused Rev. Dr. Kula of coordinating GMC-Funded Projects. “Dr. Kulah is reported to oversee initiatives like the Boway Development Association, funded by the Mt. Horeb Church of Lexington, South Carolina. These projects operate in Liberia under the GMC banner, despite the UMC’s opposition to such affiliations,” the UMC stated emphatically.

According to the UMC, Dr. Kula was also involved in advocacy for disaffiliation. “In September 2023, he allegedly participated in a Nairobi meeting where GMC members strategized on disaffiliating African churches from the UMC to form independent conferences and elect new bishops aligned with the GMC.”

The UMC further accused Dr. Kula of holding membership in breakaway groups. “As a member of the Wesleyan Covenant Association (WCA), Rev. Dr. Kulah is accused of supporting initiatives that contradict UMC teachings, including spreading misinformation about the UMC and coordinating The Africa Initiative, which UMC Bishops have criticized for fostering division,” the UMC release noted, adding, “”these actions are alleged to have fostered disunity within the UMC in Africa and violated the church’s commitment to unity.”

The suspension prohibits Rev. Dr. Kulah from preaching, teaching, counseling, or representing the UMC. He has been directed to return all UMC and UMU properties and to restrict his access to retrieving personal belongings.

“To ensure academic stability, Rev. Dr. George Weagbe has been appointed as the new Vice President for the Graduate School. The UMU administration has assured students and faculty that academic and administrative activities will continue smoothly.

“Additionally, students have been explicitly advised not to attend any unauthorized meetings organized by Rev. Kulah, as the university reiterates that it operates under institutional governance and not personal authority.

“This decisive action reflects the UMC’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within its leadership while respecting the principles of due process. The investigation into the allegations against Rev. Kulah is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available,” the UMC press release stated emphatically.