Liberia: United Methodist Church Expels Rev. Kulah, 122 Other Clergy in Liberia

1 March 2026
The Liberian Investigator (Monrovia)
By The Liberian Investigator

- The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has formally expelled and revoked the ministerial credentials of Rev. Dr. Jerry K. Kulah and 122 other clergy members, in one of the most sweeping disciplinary actions in the denomination's history in Liberia.

The decision was taken during the 193rd Annual Session of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC/UMC) held in Greenville, Sinoe County, where delegates voted overwhelmingly to terminate the ministerial standing of the affected clergy after determining that they had acted in defiance of the church's doctrine, discipline and ecclesiastical authority.

Among those expelled are Rev. Dr. Sarwolo J. Nelson Jr., Rev. Dr. George G. Wilson Jr., Rev. Dr. Isaac Chukpue-Padmore, Rev. Dr. Julius Z. Y. K. Williams, Rev. Rose Farhat, Rev. Jerry Kandea, Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson, Rev. Rodney Marshall, Rev. Allen Paye, Rev. Dr. Charles Fiske, Rev. Dr. Anna K. Labala, Rev. Cooper Pay Mondolo, and 113 other individuals who previously served as clergy within the United Methodist Church in Liberia.

Church leaders said the resolution followed findings that the expelled clergy had acted in "flagrant disregard for and disobedience to the order, discipline, and doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church."

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According to the conference, the affected pastors -- despite being trained and entrusted to uphold the theological teachings of the denomination -- engaged in actions that undermined ecclesiastical authority, challenged church unity and brought the institution into public disrepute.

The resolution further noted that the expelled clergy refused to surrender their ministerial credentials when requested by the Conference Secretary, a requirement under Paragraph 361 of the 2020/2024 United Methodist Book of Discipline.

Delegates at the session, acting under authority provided in Paragraph 605.7 of the Book of Discipline, voted by more than a two-thirds majority during the Clergy Session to terminate, nullify and revoke the credentials of the pastors involved.

The Board of Ordained Ministry of the Liberia Annual Conference confirmed that the expulsions were carried out during the Clergy Session in accordance with the disciplinary provisions governing the church.

Conference Adopts Strict Measures

Following the vote, the 193rd Annual Session, which serves as the highest decision-making body of the Liberia Annual Conference, adopted several resolutions regarding the expelled clergy.

Among them:

  • The conference affirmed the expulsion of the pastors whose names were submitted by the Board of Ordained Ministry.
  • It resolved to publish the names of the expelled individuals in public media, informing the public that they are no longer clergy of the United Methodist Church.
  • The conference prohibited the expelled individuals from mounting the pulpit or entering the chancery of any congregation within the Liberia Annual Conference.
  • It further warned that any clergy member who allows the expelled individuals to function in ministerial roles within United Methodist congregations would face disciplinary action under Paragraph 2702.1(c) of the Book of Discipline.

The expulsions come amid a prolonged internal dispute within the United Methodist Church in Liberia, which intensified in recent years as tensions grew between church leadership and some clergy members.

In October 2024, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. suspended several pastors -- including Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson of 72nd United Methodist Church and Rev. Allen Paye of John Warner United Methodist Church -- over what church authorities described as acts of insubordination, defiance of episcopal authority, and disrespect toward the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Others suspended at the time included Rev. Leo Mason of New Georgia United Methodist Church, Rev. Elijah Darjue, and Pastor Yah Gorgboyee, who were accused of participating in what church leaders characterized as a growing rebellion within the denomination.

Despite the controversy, the Liberia Annual Conference said the decision reflects its determination to preserve the doctrinal integrity and organizational discipline of the United Methodist Church.

"The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church reiterates its commitment to maintaining the doctrinal integrity, discipline and connectional order of the Church," the conference stated.

Church leaders said the institution remains focused on its mission of evangelism, discipleship and service to all people, even as it confronts internal challenges.

The expulsion of Rev. Kulah and the other clergy is expected to mark a significant moment in the ongoing restructuring of the United Methodist Church in Liberia as it seeks to reassert ecclesiastical authority and restore unity within the denomination.

Read the original article on Liberian Investigator.

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