The Editor,

Distinguished fellow Liberia, permit me this time to add my voice to the many voices on the issue of Liberia been a Christian state or secular state.

Firstly let me give the definition of a secular state and a Christian state.

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary it defined secular state as a state with a concept of secularism, whereby a state is purports to be officially in neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion while a Christian state is a country that recognizes a form of Christianity as its official religion.

The revised constitution of 1985 makes it clear by declaring Liberia a secular state. The constitution of Liberia according to the fourteen Article make it clear that all persons shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

So it is the right for all citizens of Liberia to have their freedom of worship and not for certain religion denomination to just wake up one morning from their beds and be claiming that Liberia should be a Christian state just because they think they have the highest population.

According to Patrick Johnston and Jason Mandrigk research statistic on Liberia in its 21st century edition of operation world, they said 38.8% of Liberians are Christian with an annual growth rate of 8.6%, while Muslims are 13% with annual growth rate of 11.3% which indicates that Muslims are the fastest growing denomination in Liberia and they also suggested that by 2045 Muslims will dominate the Liberian population.

Any country that have the objectives to progress in term of development will not bring about religious matters in their society, but Liberia having been a country noted for having a bunch of narrow minded beings who are always debating on baseless topics and especially our so-called churches leaders and politicians who are propounding on Liberia should be declare a Christian state in the upcoming referendum, and again our leaders are not thinking twice that they are about to make decision that will affect their children, grandchildren and also their generation.

The declaring of Liberia as a Christian state will do Liberians no good. And moreover, this declaration will create separation between the two religious communities and it will also create setback in term of socialization and intermarriages between the two religious communities.

If Liberian want to move forward there should be peace, togetherness, equality, and unity between the two groups because divided we fall but unity we stand tall, and it will be no good if one religion community to be thinking they are superior or lordly over another.

The Christian community leaders that are seeking their superiority over the Muslims community are doing their Christians no good because they had come up with plans to uplift our country but they failed.

They come up with their thousands crusades and revivals but Liberians still remain sinful and homosexually is spreading daily in our country, and the Christian leaders who having to be the brain behind the gearing separation between the two groups, and the Christian leaders are gearing up in a high spirit to declare Liberia as a Christian state just because they say interfaith togetherness is not found in their doctrines.

The narrow minded Liberians shall give up their so-called ideas that Christianity should be the head of all religions in Liberia. We the Christians shall think wisely and get in mind that our biblical scriptures make it clear that our king Jesus Christ told us to love our neighbors like we love our self but not for them to be inferior to us.

There are several reasons why Liberia shall not be a Christian state and they are :

1. There will be political and religious instability between the groups,

2. Intermarriages between the two groups will ceased to exist and lastly it will create setback among the youths of the two groups, because a Muslim girl will not socialize herself with someone who is superior to her, someone who think his religion is better than her religion. It will be good if Liberia remain as a secular state so separation or discrimination will not come among Liberians.

There are several countries that have Muslims as the highest population and fastest growing religion but they remain a secular state because they believed in Dr Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi doctrines of togetherness, peace, and love of fellow man.

Some of these countries are Sierra Leone, Syria, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Turkey, Benin, Central Africa Republic (CAR), Guinea, and Senegal. Our fellow African country Senegal, a dominant state still remains a secular state because they believed in togetherness and they respect each other religion. Senegal has more than 92% population of Muslims and the rest are Christians.

They are one of the few countries in Africa where there is stability and democracy since their independence in 1960, and Leopold Sedar Senghor, their first President was a Christian.

During Christmas, Easter, or even their All Saints day, Muslims in Senegal clean Christian’s cemeteries, in fact in many families you will find the two religions and during Eid al-Adha many Christian’s families buy sheep like Muslims does and cook for the Muslims in their neighborhood and this indicate that the Senegalese have the spirit of Julius Neyerere of Tanzania.

Liberia doesn’t need to be Baptize into a Christian state before they progress but they need to hold on together and come up with a good plans that will lift Liberians up from their chamber of extreme poverty and high level of corruption and to a higher height of prosperity, political stability, togetherness and a corruption free country, but all that can come about if the country is free from religious crisis.

I’m urging all peace loving Liberian who want to see Liberia twenty years from now in a good state to exhibit the spirit of togetherness, respect for one religion, unity and for them to say no to Liberia been a Christian state so we can never experience any religious crusades of the past.

Additionally, I want all Liberian especially the Christians to stop thinking that their religion is more advance and superior over the Muslims religion and I’m kindly asking them to vote against Liberia being a Christian state when the referendum comes so religious crisis cannot come into our society like the Central Africa Republic (CAR) or Nigeria.

And another situation surrounding Liberia has to do with the issue of a Muslim or Islamic holiday in Liberia. Liberia is a secular state of majority Christians, and a minority Muslims who are growing in numbers gradually.

The two religious sects are made of Liberians who have the same religious rights as citizens of Liberia, but it is seems that the Muslims of Liberia religious rights is only existing in document rather than action because if it was in action than there was going to be one or two important Islamic religious events be celebrated as a national holiday in Liberia among the many holidays.

Liberia has the total  of ten holidays in which three of them are allotted to the Christians denomination, but not a single one has being set aside to be observe for the Muslims and knowing that Islam is another religion in Liberia. By Muslims going to their various Mosques every Friday does not mean they have the same privileges like Christians when it came to religious matter in Liberia.

The Muslims of Liberia have the same equal right like the Christians, so I think they should have the same opportunities the Christians who are always observing their numerous holidays in this country. In all fairness justice has not being render to the Muslims communities.

They are peaceful citizens of Liberia that are contributing immensely to the growths and developments of Liberia, so I am pushing that they shall have their own holidays in Liberia for all Liberians to observe. 

When Christmas or any Christian holiday is approaching it is mandatory that all schools including Muslims schools to be close and even all the Muslims sit at their various homes to observe that day.

When it is Sunday all Muslims can close their shops and business centers to observe the Christians day of worship. The Muslims community has been observing Christians holidays in Liberia since 1847 with no hesitation because they are peaceful.

Months ago when some Muslim leaders put forth that the government should create avenue in which one of their religious event can be observe as a national holiday in Liberia; some narrow minded Liberians were saying no!!

Liberia is a Christian state and we cannot allow any Muslim holiday in Liberia. Liberians need to realize that their Christian supremacy that is gearing up in their minds is a terrible and serious thing.

The Muslims of Liberia are equal citizens likewise the Christians, and their religious events (Ramada Day and Abraham Day) have to be observed by all Liberians as a national holiday just the way Thank Giving Day and Fast and Pray Day can be observed. Liberians need to respect each other religion just like our neighboring sister country (Sierra Leone) does.

Sierra Leone is a dominated Muslims country with fewer Christians that made up 25% of the country population, but when it is Christmas or any Christian’s holiday in Sierra Leone all citizens of that country can stay at their various homes to observe that holiday and even non-Muslims schools can close when a Christian holiday reaches.

When it is Ramada Day which is celebrated as a national holiday in Sierra Leone fellow Sierra Leonians who are Christian can geared up and fellowship with their Sierra Leonian comrades likewise the Muslims can do to their Christian brothers and sisters when it is Easter or Good Friday in Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leonians respect one another religion and they have been living like that for many years in a peaceful way.

Conclusively, Liberians need to put on their garments of oneness and respect one another religion so our peaceful land can remain stable religiously. It is my expectation that one of the two religious events of the Muslims will be celebrated in Liberia as a national holiday.

I hope this concise piece will serve as a wakeup calls to the loquacious Liberians that are saying Liberia is a Christian state and the Muslims do not deserve a holiday in Liberia. Liberia is for all Liberians because I don’t care what we do or whatever we say we are all Liberians and will always be Liberian from the peaceful tiny land found along the coastal belt of Africa.

Jeremy Karn, Contributing Writer
jkarn209@gmail.com

Monrovia – The Secretary General of the Inter Religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) Atty. Musa M. Bamba, has outlined series of programs expected to be undertaken by the institution over the next five years to buttress peace, stability, cohesiveness and proffer sustainable independent intervention during the 2017 general and presidential elections.

Atty. Bamba said despite government’s “lackadaisical” approach to the council in recent times, however, he stressed that the prosperous vision of the late Catholic Bishop Michael Francis and Sheik Kafumba Konneh will remain the cornerstone of the IRCL in fostering peace, unity and development since its establishment in 1990 as a religious intervention body.

 Briefing the media on the latest programs earmarked by the IRCL, Atty. Bamba, flanked by some executives, said the institution is currently overseeing child protection in several parts of the country, peace building, creeping extremism, teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation and harmful traditional practices that affects women in the country.

“The Inter Religious Council of Liberia was founded in the early 1990s by innovative deceased Liberians in person of Catholic Bishop Michael Francis and Sheik Kafumba Konneh who saw the tragedy that was befalling on Liberians and decided to march to the American Embassy to highlight the plight of Liberians,” Atty. Bamba told newsmen.

Regrettably, Atty. Bamba revealed that despite the intervention of the IRCL in several conflicts since its establishment in 1990, the government and stakeholders have dumped the institution and only require their services during crisis, stressing: “We are rich from the Bible and Koran” and we will continue to work for Liberians.”

“This institution is a conglomeration of all religious organizations in the country, which includes the Liberian Council of Churches, National Muslim Council of Liberia and several faith based organizations, but we will remain focused in the interest of Liberians,” said Atty. Bamba.

Rationally, Atty. Bamba indicated that the programs earmarked by the IRCL, which is courtesy of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Carter Center and other international organizations will assist its program expected to be implemented throughout the country.

Atty. Bamba noted that despite non budgetary allocation from government, however, he stressed that the IRCL has resolved to implement several programs throughout the country and has announced that it will operate independently to avoid undue political influence by politicians or political groups.

 “In this public manner, the IRCL will like to announce to that the organization will not partner with other institutions especially during the 2017 general and presidential elections because as a religious body we want to remain absolutely independent and will avoid undue influence from politicians and political groups strictly because we want to remain neutral as always,” said Atty. Bamba.

 The Liberian legal luminary said the institution will strive to ensure that its program earmarked will be executed in conformity with national imperativeness, noting that Liberians should embrace the IRCL to bring about needed changes to the nation.

 “We have deduced that the partnerships sometimes undermine our credibility as an independent religious body in Liberia and we want to remain neutral throughout the elections and in several other processes across Liberia,” Atty. Bamba noted.

Although, the IRCL Secretary General said the organization will collaborate with civil society organizations and others in promoting good governance, peace and stability, however, he stressed that their activities will be void of undue influence for peculiar gains.

 With all the attending consequences, Atty. Bamba said the holistic implementation of all projects earmarked by the institution will be implemented, noting that the organization is striving to keep the dreams of its founders alive and memorable.

 For her part, the institution women desk coordinator Vera Garway stressed that the harmful traditional practices that have adverse implication on women in Liberia will be discouraged, noting that massive awareness has already begun during their experience in Grand Cape Mount County.

 She stressed that with renewed determination, the IRCL will bridge the gap and will undoubtedly remain committed to national duty, stressing that empowering and educating Liberian women about the dangers of harmful practices is unwavering.

NOT ONLY THAT Montserrado lawmaker Edwin Snowe’s quest to legislate the Eid al-Adha or Abraham’s Day as a national holiday is the weirdest of bill ever sponsored at the Legislature, but it is the danger it spells that calls for the loudest patriotic rebuke that can ever be imagine.

LAWMAKER SNOWE’S QUEST come after another lawmaker, Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County also proffered similar idea at the level of the Liberian Senate pushing for Muslims holidays to be celebrated as National holidays in Liberia.

REPRESENTATIVE SNOWE, who now commandeers the confidence of a District in Bomi County following two successful stints as a Montserrado representative in the House of Representatives, is reported to be harboring political ambition for the Islamic midland county. It seems that Snowe’s agriculture business interest in the country will matriculate into a political pay day.

“THIS DEMONSTRATION OF faith is appreciated by both Christianity (Genesis 22) and Islam (Sura 37, As-Saaffat, ayat 100 – 112) and is celebrated as the [holier] of two Muslim holidays the world over he,” Representative Snowe stated in his letter to the House’s plenary. He argues that the when passed into law, Abraham Day will symbolize religious freedom and tolerance in Liberia and calls on his colleagues to support him.

IT MIGHT BE THE second time that a bill has been crafted on religious lines, but it is not totally the first time that the legislation of religious law has been proffered.  Back in 2008, then Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Rev. Dr. Laurence Bropleh suggested at an Ahmadiya Muslim program in 2008 that it was the right thing to do to legislate a Muslim holiday. Bropleh got a good share of condemnation both in the press and among the Christian community. His Liberian Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church threatened to revoke his preaching license.

REV. DR. BROPLEH was defeated in what turned out to be a national debate. Rev. Dr. Bropleh was wrong. There wasn’t a Christian holiday in Liberia and there has not. There have only been faith-based holidays such as Thanksgiving Day and National Fast and Prayer Day. Christmas Day is not a holiday. It is only celebrated very momentously in Liberia due to the Christian profile of the nation. Liberia was founded as a sanctuary for freed black slaves who were repatriated from the United States of America in the early 1820s. However, Christianity played a part in that as Christian missionaries spread the faith among the returned Africans and later among other settlers.

BUT REV. DR. BROPLEH’S ARGUMENT—perhaps he still holds it—at least stemmed from an intellectual standpoint, as compared to Representative Snowe’s politically motivated religious rhetoric. In fact, Rev. Bropleh was in a position to err as it was the first of such debate that when he stole the headlines of public opinions. As of Representative Snowe, his argument should have been informed by what the Methodist prelate-politician had experienced. His fervency for political accomplishments has blinded his judgment of this most recent history.   

CITING THIS BLATANT IGNORING of the lessons this Christian-Muslim contention is not an unfounded chastisement of the would-be candidate for a Bomi seat in the Legislature, it is actually that the Montserrado lawmaker ignores all of the writing on the wall. And be not deceived he might win a seat with Bomi County.

REPRESENTATIVE SNOWE’S SUGGESTION for Abraham’s Day as a national holiday comes at the point when Liberian grapples with whether or not a preposition to change Liberia from a secular state to a Christian state. The “Preposition 24” has sparked, expectedly, a huge debate and once more brought the country on the brink of a topsy-turvy, reminiscent of the tensions that precipitated the 1990 civil war.

HOWEVER, THERE IS NO REASON to be awed by what Representative Snowe suggests. His suggestion draws strength from the troublesome rhetoric of religious tension and even bloody violence—the 2004 Christian-Muslim conflict and that of the conflict in Lofa County years later, just to name a few. His action here is an epitome of what a post-war Liberian politician who must at all cost get what they want, irrespective of what consequences it might have for the nation in general. Actually it is not a strange phenomenon but such politicking has got more negative impact on a country that is below its pre-war status and voters just cannot afford to fall for it.

FOR SENATOR PRINCE Y. JOHNSON, he is no stranger to controversy as the one time warlord is known for making controversial statements.

HIS PUSH FOR MUSLIMS religious days to be celebrated as a national holiday is just an attempt to win muslins votes but not in the national interest of peace and religious tolerance.

THESE TWO INDIVIDUALS are only trying to fervent religious disharmony in the country.

Monrovia – Ahead of general and presidential elections in 2017, politicians are looking to gain public favor by pushing much legislation with the religious trend becoming common in recent days.

Following a proposed bill by Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County calling for Muslims holidays to be celebrated as national holidays in Liberia, another lawmaker at the House of Representatives has also submitted another bill to the body.

An act to create Eid al Adha, otherwise known as Abraham Day, as a national holiday has been submitted to the House of Representatives.

The act was submitted during Tuesday’s session by Montserrado County Representative Edwin M. Snowe.

Representative Snowe noted that the act if passed into law will enable Muslims across Liberia to commemorate Eid al-Adha peacefully.

Muslims believe that Eid al-Adha is the day Prophet Abraham expressed his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of submission to God’s command.

Stated Representative Snowe: “I present compliments and write submitting, for plenary deliberation and subsequent passage an Act creating “Eid al-Adha (Abraham’s Day), to be celebrated as a National Holiday within the Republic of Liberia each year.”

He argued that such law will serve as a demonstration of faith that is appreciated by both Christianity, citing Genesis 22 and the Islamic Sura 37 as well as Saaffat ,ayat 100, 112 which is celebrated as the holiest among two Muslim Holidays around the World.

Similar Act was earlier submitted to the plenary of the Liberian Senate by Senator Johnson.

Representative Snowe considered the enactment of “Eid al-Adha into law as befitting to show respect for religious freedom, giving Liberian Muslims a chance to adequately celebrate their day as a national holiday.

The Montserrado county Lawmaker further called on his colleagues at the lower house to support the communication stating “ it is my outmost anticipation, honorable presiding and distinguish colleagues, that you unanimously support this Act in demonstration of your support for this worthy cause.”

Representative Snowe said, his decision to submit the communication came from the ECOWAS Parliament where he represented Liberia few weeks ago.

 The Montserrado county lawmaker noted that   (Abraham Day) is a significant day so it is celebrated by all Muslims noting that due to the day ECOWAS gave them a break from work, an indication that all countries in West Africa celebrate the day.

The    lawmaker mentioned that his decision is not based on politics.

Lawmaker Snowe might be contesting to become lawmaker of a district in Bomi County which has a huge Muslim population.

He was recently petitioned by some citizens fo Senjeh District to contest for a representative seat in the district.

By Hannah Gizzie, Intern Reporter 0776470404

Monrovia – A constitutional proposition pushing for Liberia to become a Christian State has accordingly vanished from the recommendations currently before the House of Representatives for legislative action.

Proposition 24 drawn up after nationwide consultations which concluded with a conference in Gbarnga, Bong County is pushing for Liberia to become a Christian state and amid widespread public criticisms of the proposal, FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the preposition has been removed by the House of Representatives Committee on Good Governance.

FrontPage Africa has learned that the House of Representative Committee in his final committee report to Speaker Alex Tyler has removed the proposition.

According to sources close to the committee, the final recommendations submitted to the Speaker for onward submission to plenary for deliberation does not contain the propositions in an attempt to avoid the proposition going for referendum.

Recently the   Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), a parent body of churches in Liberia   announced that its does not support, in any form or manner, proposition #24 of the Constitution Review Committee to make Liberia a Christian Nation.

“Consequently, we, the Liberia Council of Churches, wish to announce to the government and people of Liberia, ecumenical partners, the international Community and friends, that we do not support in any form or manner proposition #24 of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to make Liberia a Christian Nation,” said Episcopal Bishop, Jonathan B. B. Hart at a recent press conference.

Given the sensitivity of the proposition and considering its implication on the nation’s security, Bishop Hart said the council elected to get involved into the debates and discussions surrounding the issue in order to inform Liberians where the church stands on the matter.

“Instead, we strongly believe that furthering our collaboration and interfaith dialogue with all those united with us by faith and humanity will strengthen our harmonious relationship and create a peaceful society for mutual coexistence irrespective of race, creed, ethnicity or religion”, the religious Cleric declared.

The decision by the LCC is being resisted by a group called the Liberia Restoration to Christian Heritage committee (LRCHC), a group that also believes that the Christian Nation campaign is epistemologically constitutional; and not a religious matter.

In their petition statement presented to the legislature, the group claimed that the campaign to restore Liberia to Christian nation constitutionally is a constitutional endeavor, and that no group ungodly and belly driven ignorant of the provisions of constitution Bishops have the constitutional right to change the rights provided by the constitution.

In the past months the Muslims Community has condemned the decision to vote in a referendum for a provision to return Liberia to a Christian state. They have criticized people behind the crafting of 24 provisions and described them as troublemakers.

Henry Karmo – henry.karmo@frontPageafricaonline.com

Bopolu, Gbarpolu County – The head of the Governance Commission of Liberia, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer says he welcomes the Liberia Council of Churches recent position against Christianizing Liberia, pledging support for the country to be a secular state.

This, he said will create peaceful coexistence for various religions and promote religious tolerance across the country as well as enhancing national development.

Dr. Sawyer told a gathering in Gbarpolu County at the weekend that the debate for Liberia to be Christianized cannot hold ground because there were other religions practiced in the country long before the arrival of the settlers whom he said introduced Christianity.

Speaking when Deputy Minister Varney Sirleaf presented the Imam Mosque to the people of Gbarpolu County, he expressed –  “Islam was long here before Christianity came to Liberia and it helped the Christians settlers to live in peace. “

“We can further boast for the benefit of those of our people who have been preaching the false doctrine that Liberia should be a Christian state. In the last few days, the Liberia Council of Churches has spoken clearly”.

Dr. Sawyer’s statement was in line with recent declaration by the Liberia Council of Churches that Liberia should be rather secular to that of a Christian state as being proposed through a constitutional amendment.

“My friend Sumaworo, I appeal to you now, to resume your relationship with your brothers in the inter-religious council and let the role that each one has played in creating Liberia and ensuring peace and developments continue side by side with your Christian brothers and sisters”, Dr. Sawyer stressed.

The Governance Commission Chair at the same time lauded the AS Charitable Society through its representative from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Hadbi for the project, terming his visit as one geared towards development and enlightenment

He at the same time expressed that development in Liberia cannot move forward if there is no root of discipline and faith, respect for humanity, saying it is in the interest of partners that encouraged the Arab nationals to invest in Liberia’s Muslim Community.

Dr. Sawyer stated that the togetherness of both Muslims and Christians in fostering education will create a community of healthy children, thus admonishing Muslims across Liberia in particular to prioritize education for their children, especially females to take charge of Liberia’s future.

He named education as one of the important factors which, according to him, is not only an opportunity but helps in strengthening what he termed as common brotherhood and advanced civilization in the country.

Mufti returns to inter-religious council

Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti of Liberia, Sheik Abubakar Sumaworo has announced his return to the inter-religious Council of Liberia, stating that he will consolidate with his colleagues from the Muslim Community in avoiding such a decision.

Sheik Sumaworo said the Muslim Community is fully willing to return to the council in working out modalities that will keep the collaboration for future growth.

The Grand Mufti of Liberia recently announced his disassociation with the Inter-religious Council on grounds that he foresees the religious body supporting the proposition to Christianize Liberia.

His reconsideration comes days after the Liberia Council of Churches announced its stance against the proposition to Christianize Liberia.

“I will like to discuss that here before it can be discovered on the Day of Judgment. It is our responsibility to serve the people. Our relationship with our friends Christians is holy and respected not by we the Muslims in Liberia but Allah in the holy Quran” said Sheik Sumaworo.

He noted that his faith teaches peaceful coexistence as one of their obligatory duties as Muslims toward Non-Muslims.

The Muslim prelate said, “We are fighting hard and no one will provoke us to move us from our path. We will continue to be on the path of peaceful coexistence just as our grandfather, Chief Sao Boatswain did in protecting immigrants in this country when they were about to be opposed by some of us.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf lauded the people of Gbarpolu County for accepting development noting that it brings joy to the Muslim Community in that part of Liberia.

Willie N. Tokpah – willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline.com

Monrovia –  President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has lauded the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its contributions and partnership with government in the national development efforts of the country.

She expressed gratitude to the SDA Church for its many contributions to Liberia’s educational, health and other humanitarian services rendered the country.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader made the remarks on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Paynesville Central Seventh Day Adventist Church at the ELWA junction in Paynesville City where she attended the Church regular Worship Service.

President Sirleaf praised God Almighty for blessing his people in order to be able to meet in the Seventh Day Adventists Church.

President Sirleaf commended the leadership of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for inviting her to the Church Service. The Liberian leader said no matter where they are and on whatever day, their prayers to God is the same.

She said as Christians, coming together, we should be able to praise the goodness to God. President Sirleaf said she was thankful to God for the contribution of the SDA Church in Liberia for complementing the national development agenda.

President Sirleaf said she could still recall how members of the SDA Church came and joined other denominations of various Christian Churches in Liberia, making their contributions to the process.

“You have been able to fill most of those important gaps in our health and educational sectors,” President Sirleaf noted. “And so I am pleased, especially after embarking on the building of a University,” the President stressed.

She said SDA Church’s endeavor is meant to create opportunities for thousands of Liberian youths who are coming out of schools, without being able to acquire university education, something according to her, the Church is intending to address.

She told the worship service that the government will be there with them. President Sirleaf was presented a special gift (Book) entitled “The Great Controversy” by the District Pastor of SDA Church, Borbor D. Gibson as a sign of appreciation for her leadership.

Speaking earlier, the District Pastor of the SDA Church Borbor D. Gibson thanked President Sirleaf for her remarkable leadership and asked her intervention in securing the Church’s 100 arches of land that have been encroached upon and is presently in court.

He mentioned spoke about the Seventh Day Adventist Church desire to also build a modern hospital in Liberia. He said their sponsors and supporters around the world, including those in West Africa have assured them that they are prepared to build the university, which will be compared to some of the best universities based on quality. Pastor Gibson observed that the lingering land situation was cause for concern.

He extended an invitation to President Sirleaf to also visit the campus of the Seventh Day Adventist University to be built and proposed hospital.   

Pastor Borbor D. Gibson praised President Sirleaf, who as a mother always shows love for her children she is leading. He said President Sirleaf is leading a nation with diverse geo-political and social, cultural background, ranging from the Western Region to the North Central and Southeastern Region of Liberia.

He said it is the desire of the Seventh Day Adventist Church to see a transformed society from illiterate to literate society. As a result, he said their desire is to help transform Liberia from an illiterate to literate society and the construction of a university will help to achieve that.

Delivering the Sermon, Pastor Gemane G. Getteh, Director of Communications of the SDA Church spoke on the theme:

“A Call to Rebuild”, thanked President Sirleaf for the visit and said it is now time to rebuild especially a country like Liberia that suffered from war and other forms of challenges. He said like Nehemiah, who was a builder took affirmative action and resisted complaining and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

Pastor Getteh noted as a leader when you refuse to build it is not the people suffer. “Madam President, you are a clear example of a good leader who has built and continues to build”, he said.

Speaking from the Book of Nehemiah 2: 17-18, Pastor Getteh admonished church leaders, young men, women, political leaders and businessmen to rise up and build like Nehemiah.

“Do not wait for government to do everything for you; get involved in community initiatives; is now time for businessmen and women to use their profit to help government” Pastor Getteh emphasized.

Monrovia – In the wake of many debates about whether or not to make Liberia a Christian state, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has announced that its does not support, in any form or manner, proposition #24 of the Constitution Review Committee to make Liberia a Christian Nation.

“Consequently, we, the Liberia Council of Churches, wish to announce to the government and people of Liberia, ecumenical partners, the international Community and friends, that we do not support in any form or manner proposition #24 of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to make Liberia a Christian Nation,” said Episcopal Bishop, Jonathan B. B. Hart at a press conference in Monrovia Monday.

Given the sensitivity of the proposition and considering its implication on the nation’s security, he said the council elected to get involved into the debates and discussions surrounding the issue in order to inform Liberians where the church stands on the matter.

 “Instead, we strongly believe that furthering our collaboration and interfaith dialogue with all those united with us by faith and humanity will strengthen our harmonious relationship and create a peaceful society for mutual coexistence irrespective of race, creed, ethnicity or religion. “

“We encourage believers within the diverse religious groups to respect freedom of conscience with those who claim no religious identification”, said Bishop Hart.

Bishop Hart stated that the history of the world is replete with religious intolerance which continues to be a source of conflict noting that interfaith dialogue on common issues such as peace, justice and reconciliation, have paved the way towards peaceful coexistence.

Going further, the Bishop said Liberians are aware that religious sentiments have been misused and have led to clashes between Muslims and Christians more than once.

In March of 2015, Liberians converged in Gbarnga, Bong County for the purpose of validating the Constitution Review Committee propositions. Proposition #24 calls for making Liberia a Christian nation.

“For some time now, we, the Liberian Council of Churches, have followed with profound interest the discussion about proposition #24, declaring Liberia a Christian Nation through referendum”, added Bishop Hart.

He said debates and discussions on proposition #24, which have lasted well over a year, have driven the country in many directions.

Bishop Hart said after long discussions among religious leaders, it was agreed and accepted that the mission of the Church is to teach all nations and make disciples and not to legitimize the word of God.

“The LCC believes that the mission of the church is to develop the human mind through education and healing and to create a free space to share the country diversity of gifts.

They also came to the conclusion that to legitimize religion is to make it legal and compelling for all to accept. Peace is, and must be a precondition for our existence as a nation”, the Episcopal Bishop said.

Henry Karmo (0886522495) henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Editor,

Proponents for the move to Christianize Liberia by law continued to argue that such ideology when passed into law will not deny the right of Muslims to worship or observe their religion. This is something considered to be viewed by the Muslims and other Christian sects as discrimination despite the clarification by the proponents.

In all of their attempts or efforts to clarify what the passage of the law will mean, there is something that embodies the crux of this article that at the same time deserves the attention of the general public including proponents of Christianizing Liberia.

To begin with, let’s conceptualize discrimination. Etymologically, discrimination according to research derived from a Latin word “Discrimire” meaning “to separate, to distinguish, to make a distinction”. It is from this etymology many scholars, philosophers, notable institutions including the United Nations and some Countries coined or developed contemporary definitions of discrimination.  

For examples, the Cambridge University dictionaries online retrieved 29 March 2013 coined discrimination as treatment of an individual or group, based on their actual or perceived membership in a certain group or social category, “in a way that is worse than the way people are usually treated.

Arguably, the history of Liberia recognized the builders of the foundation of the Liberian society to be Christians thus excluding or failing to recognize the contribution of people such as King Sao Boso or Chief Boatswain a devoted Muslim that protected the rights of the very settlers most of whom were Christians and subsequently became the builders of the foundation of the Liberian society.  

It is from this background Islam and African spiritual religion practiced by some of the natives (Dei/Bassa people) are not recognize as having any part to play in the foundation of the Liberian society.

On the flip side of the coin, moral philosophers argued that individuals need not to be actually harmed in order to be discriminated against. They just need to be treated worse than others for some arbitrary or preferential reason.

For example, if a philanthropist decides to donate to help orphan children, but decides to donate less, say, to black children out of a racist attitude, then he/she would be acting in a discriminatory way even though the children they discriminate against are actually benefited by having some money donated to them or what you would considered as humanitarian gesture.  

If you carefully liken the argument of these moral philosophers to the clarification of proponents opting to Christianize Liberia, you will realize that their (proponents) intention is not to harm Muslims in terms of their right to worship or observe Islam. Of course they will as usual attend regular prayers on Friday in mosques, pray five times daily at convenient places and observe Ramadan as well.

However, opting to legalize Christianity as state religion regardless of whatever reasons that may benefit the state will be technically tantamount to discrimination. The reason (s) stems from the preference in term of recognition of Christianity.

Preferential treatment is the same as treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing is perceived to belong to rather than on individual merit.

Another issues that technically suggests discrimination should the law be passed in favor of the proponents stems from ignoring of the protracted request of the Muslims community to make Ramadan a national holiday just as Christmas being official holiday in Liberia in favor of the Christian community.

In other words, how can we make Liberia is Christian state by law in favor of majority (Christians) but ignore the plight or request of the minority (Muslims)? Doubtlessly, history is replete with discrimination of minorities as such; any attempt to respect the views of the proponents regardless of whatever justifiable reason(s) is still tantamount to discrimination in as much as the right of the minorities (Muslims) voice to be heard has being ignored. Seriously think about this.

Ambrues M. Nebo,
neboambrues@gmail.com/nebo1975@yahoo.com
0777531129/0888093805

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Liberia’s Ambassador accredited to the United States of America (USA), Jeremiah Sulonteh, says the Liberian Government has taken no decision on Preposition 24 of the national constitution review process, which seeks to make Liberia a Christian country.

Preposition 24 was advanced by some members of the Christian community and it was adopted as one of several constitutional amendment proposals that evolved from the National Constitution Review Conference held last year in Gbarnga, Bong County. Ambassador Sulonteh said, for now the proposal remains a mere “debate.”

The Ambassador maintained the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration has taken no political action on whether to make Liberia a Christian country, or not.

Speaking recently in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) Diaspora Political Consultative Conference, Ambassador Sulonteh insisted Christianizing Liberia now as suggested by some members of the Christian community, will make no political or economic difference in the lives of the people.

Eighty five percent of Liberia’s population accounts for Christians. The nation’s declaration of independence was signed in the Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia in the 1800’s. Since Liberia’s independence in 1847, members of the Christian faith continue to enjoy preferential treatment in the celebration of public holidays and the dispensation of political power in the country.

However, the Ambassador noted declaring Liberia a Christian country is not the way forward politically. He said “Over the years Liberian Christians and other religious groups have co-existed and they must continue to live in peace and harmony.” Ambassador Sulonteh thanked and praised the ULAA National Leadership for organizing the Diaspora Political Consultative Conference.

He also, thanked the participants for convening to discuss salient issues that affect the wellbeing of the diaspora Liberian community and their country. “It is time that ULAA and the diaspora Liberian community take leadership role in Liberia,” the calm and soft spoken Ambassador pontificated.

He then, underscored the cordial tie which subsists between the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Union. He commended the ULAA leadership for the support it gave the Embassy in the recent renewal of the Ebola Temporary Protective Status (TPS), granted by the US government.

The US government through the Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson extended the designations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for TPS for an additional six months on March 22, 2016.

Although there have been significant improvements in the conditions in all three countries since their designations for TPS in November 2014, the US government noted that the lingering effects of the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak and continued recovery challenges support the six-month extension. He said the ULAA leadership and the Liberian Embassy wrote a letter to the US Department of Homeland Security requesting the renewal of the TPS.

Also speaking at the gathering, ULAA National President, Wilmot Kunney, commended Ambassador Sulonteh for the cooperation and support the Liberian Embassy continues to give his administration in addressing issues that affect the lives of Liberians in the Americas.

Mr. Kunney said the Diaspora Political Consultative Conference was meant to give opportunity to key political and national leaders in Liberia to deliberate the unfolding political situation in the country and the role of the Diaspora Liberian Community in the process as Liberia marches toward the 2017 general and presidential elections.

The conference brought together a consortium of eminent Liberians, politicians, and heads of diaspora Liberian community organizations.

Mr. Gayah Fahnbulleh, the US based Special Envoy to Vice President, Joseph Boakai, and the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA), National President, Moses D. Sandy, were among some key speakers that delivered papers at the gathering. Mr. Sandy spoke on ALJA’s vision for the Liberian Press and the role of the Diaspora Liberian community in the political process of Liberia.