Monrovia – Celia Cuffy Brown-Tobey, former Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), has been ordained and consecrated as an Archbishop, calling on Liberian clergy and citizens to place the church above the government and turn away from wrongdoing.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Archbishop Brown-Tobey emphasized that both citizens and public officials should recognize that “the church is over the government.” She made these remarks during her consecration as Archbishop of Liberia at Christ Divine Healing and Deliverance Ministry (The Garden of Paradise) in Caldwell, near Monrovia, over the weekend.
She clarified that her ministry is not a traditional congregational church but one aimed at delivering Liberia and its people; Stressing that it will be “no longer business as usual” in Liberia, she said religious leaders will continue gathering to pray for the nation and its citizens.
“Today, I tell you, the government is not over the church. The church is over the government, but people don’t know that,” she declared.
Criticism of Secret Societies
Archbishop Brown-Tobey urged Liberians to reject secret societies, which she claims have marginalized native Liberians for over a century. She noted that the dominance of groups like the Masonic Craft has deprived many Liberians of equal opportunities.
“It is now time for Liberia to reclaim its glory by the power of the Almighty God,” she stated. She expressed gratitude that native Liberians have held the presidency but warned that “gentiles” seek to undo the progress made.
“Liberia, come back to God; there should be no divide between native and Congau people. The current leadership’s role is to unify Liberia’s tribes and restore the remnant of the Children of Israel.”
Addressing Corruption and Moral Decline
Archbishop Brown-Tobey attributed Liberia’s persistent struggles, despite its natural resources, to a rise in wickedness and moral decline. She urged church leaders to stop waiting for government funding before praying for the country and warned against accepting money from officials for church projects.
“No more business as usual. You see what is happening at the Capitol now? If leaders disrespect God, they will face consequences. Anyone in government who acts improperly will be held accountable by God,” she stated.
Brown-Tobey also reflected on a past incident where she, along with other bishops, prayed against negative influences surrounding then-President George Weah, giving a 90-day ultimatum for change. She pointed to subsequent sanctions by the U.S. government as evidence of God’s intervention.
Personal Calling and Spiritual Journey
Archbishop Brown-Tobey recounted that her spiritual journey began years ago, inspired by a vision shared by a staffer named Dorleh Dennis. She revealed that her calling came as a surprise, given her focus on education and public service.
She claimed that God has tasked her to continue preaching, drawing comparisons to renowned Liberian prophetess Wilhemina Dukuly. She recounted how, through prayer, she witnessed a miraculous event at Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town, where she felt guided to bring back to life an individual presumed dead.
“One day at Redemption Hospital, I was led to pray near the morgue. I sprinkled holy water and oil, and soon after, a body began to move. The mortician thought I was crazy, but it was God’s work,” she said.
Call to Action for Liberians
Archbishop Brown-Tobey urged Liberians to follow God’s teachings, be faithful, and tithe if they wish to experience divine blessings and protection. She encouraged citizens to live for God’s glory if they wish to succeed, emphasizing, “The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord. Believe in God and his prophets if you want to prosper in life.”