United Women in Faith Defends Property Ownership in Liberia

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@spotlightpr.org

NEW YORK – United Women in Faith (UWFaith) is committed to putting faith, hope, and love into action in support of women, children, and youth. This has been core to the organization’s mission since its founding in 1869 and throughout its expansive work nationally and internationally.

Recently the ownership of a parcel of beachfront property in Liberia, which is currently used for UMC missionary residences, has been challenged by the Liberia Annual Conference UMC’s Board of Trustees (LAC BOT). The LAC BOT filed a petition against UWFaith in the Liberia court system during this year’s General Conference, requesting that the court issue an order declaring that the property belongs to the LAC BOT. The LAC BOT’s assertions are baseless and an attempt to use the court system to acquire property that it does not own. The LAC BOT seeks to demolish the current housing to build and lease income-producing buildings including a resort hotel and commercial office space without the permission of UWFaith. The LAC BOT previously requested permission to start this project; but the LAC BOT is now attempting to immorally and unethically seize a property purchased and maintained by United Women in Faith, with support over the years from the General Board of Global Ministries.

The Woman’s Division of Christian Service of the Board of Missions and Church Extension of The Methodist Church (WDCS), the name under which UWFaith was originally incorporated, purchased the property in 1949 to provide residences for missionaries. The LAC BOT cites the Book of Discipline’s paragraphs on the trust clause (¶2501) and Annual Conference property (¶2512) as authority for them to make decisions about the development and use of the property.

United Women in Faith has responded to the petition in the Liberia court system and is doing everything possible to preserve the property for its original purpose.

“This property has always supported education and mission work in Liberia, and presently houses missionaries, without any financial contribution from the LAC,” said Sally Vonner, General Secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith. “Missionaries must have access to safe, supportive housing. As an institution committed to missional work, we take pride in offering such housing which also serves as a space for respite for those in service to a broken world.”

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