Africa-Press – Liberia. Domah accused nearly 40 GMC pastors and members of intimidating children and disrupting school activities.
The TUFAIE Foundation Child Care School, one of Nimba County’s oldest and most respected daycare institutions, is at the center of a bitter dispute between the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC). The conflict has sparked tension and raised fears for the safety and wellbeing of children enrolled at the school.
The school, which serves hundreds of children and runs vacation vocational programs ahead of the new academic year, has reportedly come under repeated attacks from men believed to be affiliated with the GMC, creating panic among students, parents, and staff.
Rental Dispute
The Owner of the institution, Benedict Domah, told reporters Monday that his school has maintained a rental agreement with the UMC for the past eight years and has no business dealings with the GMC.
“The building belongs to the United Methodist Church, and we have been paying rent to them faithfully every year without any problem. The Global Methodist Church is not our landlord and should not interfere with our operations,” Mr. Domah said.
According to him, GMC members have threatened to forcibly take over the school on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, disrupting activities and instilling fear in children and staff. He alleged that pastors and members of the GMC have staged several confrontations on campus in recent weeks, leaving students terrified.
Children’s Safety at Risk
Domah accused nearly 40 GMC pastors and members of intimidating children and disrupting school activities. Among those named were Roland Luogon (alias “Mourinho”), Rev. Williams Laywhyee, Father J. Morris Neaquoi, Regional Lay Leader of GMC Nimba Mountain, and Rev. Jerry Nya Kandea, described as the faction’s leader in the county.
“It is appalling that young kids, who should be learning in a safe environment, are living in fear because of these attacks. These children are the future leaders of our country,” Domah lamented.
GMC Responds
In response, Rev. Jerry Nya Kandea denied allegations of violence, insisting their presence on the campus was peaceful and aimed at negotiating a new lease agreement.
He claimed the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie recently ruled that several disputed properties, including the TUFAIE school building, belong to the GMC. “The ruling mandates that these properties rightfully belong to us, not the UMC,” Rev. Kandea argued, while acknowledging that the UMC has since appealed to the Supreme Court.
Court Rulings and Confusion
Meanwhile, a separate ruling by the Civil Law Court in Monrovia appears to have strengthened the UMC’s position. Judge George W. Smith ruled that all church properties remain the sole possession of the UMC, stressing that members who left to form the GMC “have no right to claim or take any property of the United Methodist Church.”
The GMC, led nationally by Rev. Jerry P. Kulah, has long argued that it is entitled to a share of UMC properties — including schools, churches, hospitals, and other assets — since its breakaway.
Community Calls for Calm
The conflicting court rulings have left local residents divided. Community leaders are urging both factions to resolve the dispute peacefully, stressing that children’s education and safety must not be compromised.
“This fight between the two churches is affecting our community institutions,” said one resident. “The children should not suffer because of disagreements over property.”
For now, the fate of the TUFAIE Foundation Child Care School remains uncertain as both sides prepare for another showdown — in court, and possibly on the ground in Ganta.
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