Liberia: Global Methodist Church Bishop Kula Poorly Received in Nimba Despite Heavy Radio Publicity - FrontPageAfrica

29 Sep 2026, 04:36 · FrontPage Africa Online

Liberia: Global Methodist Church Bishop Kula Poorly Received in Nimba Despite Heavy Radio Publicity

Global Methodist Church Bishop, Dr. Jerry P. Kula

Ganta, Nimba County — The Global Methodist Church Bishop, Dr. Jerry P. Kula, was poorly received during his visit to Nimba County over the weekend after heavy publicity on community radio stations.

By Franklin Doloquee

Bishop Dr. Kulah recently elected bishop of the Global Methodist Church — a breakaway faction of the United Methodist Church visited Nimba County on Friday, September 25 to thank members who supported the Global Methodist Church during the recent church crisis. His visit came as the matter awaits a decision from the country’s highest court.

During the visit, Bishop Kulah expressed appreciation to local members and leaders for their loyalty and support.

He encouraged continued unity among congregations in Nimba County and reaffirmed the Global Methodist Church’s commitment to pastoral care and spiritual guidance while the legal process continues.

Local church officials said the visit helped strengthen ties between the national leadership and county congregations.

Supporters described the bishop’s appearance as timely and morale-boosting amid ongoing uncertainty about the church’s legal status.

Bishop Kulah’s election and the wider split that produced the Global Methodist Church followed doctrinal and governance disagreements within the United Methodist Church.

The case before the Supreme Court will influence how leadership and property disputes are resolved for congregations aligned with the breakaway group.

Speaking at a facility in Ganta, Bishop Kulah said his visit was meant to appreciate Global Methodist Church members in Nimba who supported the denomination during Liberia’s recent church crisis.

Despite his remarks, the bishop faced a chilly reception in both Ganta and Sanniquellie.

Background

In early 2025, the United Methodist Church in Liberia split, producing three branches:

the United Methodist Church (the original body), the Global Methodist Church a breakaway faction, and the Independent Methodist Church.

Observers expect each branch to have its own Bishop:

Bishop Samuel Quire Jr. for the original United Methodist Church, Bishop Dr. Jerry P. Kulah for the Global Methodist Church, and Rev. Dr. James Lalbah for the Independent Methodist Church.

Land and resources dispute

Since the split, the Global Methodist Church has claimed land and property previously associated with the United Methodist Church. Members of the Independent Methodist Church say they are not occupying those properties. The dispute over ownership of church property is pending before Liberia’s Supreme Court.

Membership and expectations

Several Global Methodist Church members, who asked not to be named, said they were promised international scholarships, travel opportunities and financial support when they joined the breakaway denomination.

They said those benefits have not materialized. Instead, the church currently depends heavily on weekly offerings from congregants. Members reported falling attendance and shrinking membership as a result.

District office in poor condition

The building that houses the district superintendent and other Global Methodist Church executives in Ganta, located near the United Methodist Church compound has fallen into disrepair.

Because of that, Rev. Elebenzern Belleh and other officials are using private homes as temporary offices. Church executives in Ganta declined to comment when contacted.

Hospital takeover delayed

Rev. Elebenzern Belleh told Front Page Africa during an interview in early 2026 that the Global Methodist Church had planned to take over the Ganta United Methodist Hospital by February 2026, but that transfer has not occurred.

Cause of the dispute

Some Methodists, who spoke off the record, say the split was driven in part by internal power struggles over leadership positions, including bishoprics. Both sides await the Supreme Court’s decision regarding property ownership and related claims, any ruling could affect the leadership and positions currently held within the factions.

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Liberia: Global Methodist Church Bishop Kula Poorly Received in Nimba Despite Heavy Radio Publicity - FrontPageAfrica