PAYNESVILLE — A coalition of religious leaders and representatives of regional civil society organizations has launched a public campaign opposing what they describe as growing efforts to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) policies in Liberia.
By Francis G. Boayue
The campaign was unveiled during a press briefing on Tuesday, June 23 at Christ Embassy in Duport Road, outside Monrovia and attended by representatives of Christ Embassy Liberia, Love All Children’s Ministry, the Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue and Advocacy in Africa, the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory (CAPRA) and the Equity International Initiative.
Speaking at the event, Dr. DR. Segun Adebayo, Executive Director of CAPRA, said the initiative seeks to encourage public discussion on policies that affect families, children and communities across the African continent.
“We are here to discuss issues that affect the future of Africa, our families and our identity,” Dr. Adebayo told journalists. “Whatever affects Liberia affects Africa and whatever affects Africa will ultimately affect Liberia.”
Dr. Adebayo expressed concern over SRHR-related advocacy campaigns currently visible in Liberia, including public awareness initiatives and youth-focused programs.
He argued that some aspects of the agenda could influence future policy decisions related to education, parental authority and family values.
Also speaking, Pastor William Sheldrick Marshall of Love All Children’s Ministry, Christ Embassy, said his organization remains committed to protecting children and strengthening families through what he described as value-based education and moral development.
“Children deserve to grow in environments that foster strong moral values, quality education, responsible citizenship, and spiritual growth,” Marshall said.
Marshall reiterated his organization’s opposition to abortion and called for increased investment in maternal healthcare, adoption services, family support programs and faith-based counseling initiatives.
He further expressed concern about educational approaches that, in his view, introduce age-inappropriate sexual content to children while reducing parental involvement in shaping educational and moral values.
“Parents remain the primary educators of their children and must have a central role in shaping their children’s moral and educational development,” he said.
Ambassador Chris Iyama of the Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue and Advocacy in Africa and the Equity International Initiative also addressed the gathering, claiming that international organizations are investing significant resources in SRHR programs across Africa.
Iyama urged Liberian lawmakers, media institutions, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups to carefully examine proposed
policy reforms and encourage broader public discussions before legislative action is taken.
“The Liberian people must understand the implications of any policy proposal before it reaches the Legislature,” he said.
He also called on the media to fulfill what he described as its role as “the conscience of society” by providing citizens with information on policy debates that could shape the country’s future.
Hosting the event, Pastor Alfred Mason, Country Pastor of Christ Embassy Liberia, said his church opposes initiatives it believes could undermine traditional family structures and religious values.
“We are here to speak against this initiative because we believe it is contrary to the values we hold as a people,” Mason said.
Throughout the briefing, speakers called for stronger protections for children, greater parental involvement in education, and increased public participation in policy discussions related to reproductive health, family welfare, and youth development.
The coalition said it intends to continue public awareness campaigns and engage policymakers, educators, religious leaders, and civil society organizations in discussions surrounding proposed reforms related to sexual and reproductive health policies in Liberia.
The press conference comes amid ongoing debates in Liberia and across Africa over reproductive health education, family planning, adolescent health services and broader human rights policies—issues that continue to generate differing views among governments, faith communities, advocacy groups and international development partners.
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