Monrovia, Liberia – A Liberian pastor, Elijah Dajue, has been suspended by the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia for what he claims is his stance against homosexuality.
Pastor Dajue shared the news of his suspension in a public statement, highlighting that the church’s decision was not related to any criminal or immoral behavior, but rather, to his opposition to what he calls the “regionalization” of homosexuality within the church.
The pastor, who has been serving at the J.J. Roberts United Methodist School (J.J. RUMS), expressed that he was barred from entering the school’s premises to prepare his students for an upcoming test.
“Yesterday, I received this letter of Involuntary (compulsory, by force expulsion) Leave of from the United Methodist Church in Liberia not because of crime nor immorality but, for speaking the undiluted word of God.” He wrote!
He continued “Today, I went to J. J. Roberts United Methodist School (J.J. RUMS) to review my note and to prepare my students for their first period test next week. But, the leadership told me that they have been instructed not to allow me enter the school fence for a teaching purpose any more…”
However Pastor Dajue says he has not regret for the “persecution” he is experiencing.
“I have no regret, and I owe no apology to anyone. My message remains the same: regionalization is a cover up for homosexuality which the UMC in general has legalized. Every pastor in the Church knows this but, due to fear of appointment and position, they are intimidated to accept and remain muted.”
Meanwhile, the United Methodist Church in Liberia has rejected the allegations.
The Church through its Human Rights Department Director Jefferson Knight said since June this year when the Bishop returned from the Global Conference he categorically denied and rejected reports of the UMC Liberia Conference endorsing the immoral Practice of Homosexuality.
Knight clarified that Pastor Dajue and other members of the Church were given involuntary Leave of absence due to their alleged refusal to submit to the Council for investigation after making demeaning comments against Bishop Samuel Quire.
He alleged that Pastor Dajue is a member of a group of rebellious Clergy members who are seeking to destabilize the Church for personal gains.
