By :P. Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta City, Nimba county……The Student President of Ganta United Methodist High School, Ethan Wuogarbee Suah, has raised serious concerns over the United Methodist Church’s acceptance of same-sex marriage, stating that the decision has caused division and distress among students, parents, and the school community.
Speaking at a press conference held on the school campus, Suah described how the church’s stance on the matter has affected students’ ability to learn in a peaceful and conducive environment. He noted that many students now face mockery and discrimination in their communities, with some being labeled as “gay students,” leading to emotional and mental distress.
“This situation has created a hostile learning environment where students are no longer comfortable attending classes. The emotional and mental distress caused by this is unbearable, and we fear that it will negatively impact our future,” Suah stated.
The student leader emphasized that the controversy has led to some students withdrawing from the school, while others are struggling to attend regularly due to concerns from their families. He warned that if the situation remains unresolved, there could be a mass dropout of students, which would impact the school’s reputation and future.
“We understand that different people have different views on this matter, but as students of a Methodist institution, we believe that the church should uphold the moral and cultural values that have guided us for generations,” he added.
Suah is appealing to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Gender, the Nimba County School System, and the international community to intervene in order to protect the integrity of the school.
He also urged the leadership of the United Methodist Church in Liberia to reconsider its stance, stating that the institution was built on Christian principles, and that accepting same-sex marriage contradicts its long-standing teachings.
“Our plea is not based on hatred or discrimination but on our belief in the values that have shaped our society for years. We seek a learning environment where we can thrive without fear, shame, or discrimination,” Suah emphasized.
Additionally, he called on the U.S. Embassy, as a major partner in education, to consider the impact of the issue on students and assist in finding a solution that ensures academic welfare.
Despite the controversy, Suah encouraged his fellow students to remain in school and focus on their studies, assuring them that the issue is one for church authorities to resolve.
“This fight is not the students’ fight but the church authorities’ fight. Let us all remain calm as I channel this complaint to the highest authority,” he urged.
Concluding his statement, Suah expressed hope that those in leadership positions would act swiftly to address the concerns raised.
“If urgent action is not taken, our future will be jeopardized, and our community will lose one of its most respected institutions,” he warned.
The statement was copied to several key stakeholders, including the Ganta United Methodist School Board, the Ganta United Methodist Church, the school principal, the dean, the PTA board, and the alumni association.
