The crisis within the United Methodist Church continues to deepen as Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah has responded to his recent suspension describing it as a “witch hunt” while asserting that the allegations against him are “false and unfounded.”
He contends that the suspension is rooted in his opposition to same-sex marriage and regionalization within the UMC.
Rev. Kulah alleged that Bishop Samuel J. Quire, who approved his suspension, is targeting him because of his vocal stance against the endorsement of same-sex marriage and the proposed legalization of regionalization by the UMC General Conference.
“Because I have been standing in opposition to Bishop Quire’s plan to force the Church into endorsing same-sex marriage and into legalizing regionalization, that is why he suspended me,” Rev. Kulah stated.
According to a UMC statement, Rev. Kulah suspension follows recommendations from an investigative committee and the Church Counsel of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Rev. Kulah faces multiple allegations under Paragraph 2702.1 of the UMC Discipline, including promoting the Global Methodist Church (GMC) agenda, undermining church unity, and allegedly prioritizing the GMC’s Transitional Book of Doctrines over the UMC’s Book of Discipline 2016.
He is also accused of coordinating GMC-related projects and participating in a September 2023 meeting in Nairobi, where strategies to disaffiliate African churches from the UMC were reportedly discussed.
Rev. Kulah, however, denied these claims, particularly accusations of working with other missionaries to divide the UMC. He vowed to remain firm in his beliefs despite the suspension, emphasizing his commitment to biblical principles and traditional Methodist doctrine. “Every pastor within the United Methodist Church who tries to speak against regionalization is silenced by Bishop Samuel Quire, who wants the church to endorse the act of same-sex marriage,” he alleged.
In addition to his rebuttal, Rev. Kulah announced plans to protest at the UMC head office on 12th Street, where he intends to present a formal statement opposing the actions he deems detrimental to the church’s values.
As part of the suspension, Rev. Kulah has been barred from preaching, teaching, counseling, or representing the UMC. He is also required to return all UMC and UMU properties, while the administration has appointed Rev. Dr. George Weagbe as his replacement at the Graduate School.
The UMC has emphasized the suspension as a measure to uphold its integrity and unity, while investigations into Rev. Kulah’s actions continue. However, the unfolding situation highlights a broader struggle within the UMC, particularly around contentious issues such as same-sex marriage and church unity.
