Christianity, the dominant and most widely practiced religion in Liberia, is increasingly being marked by troubling developments—particularly among some of its high-ranking practitioners. This is largely due to a relaxed and unregulated religious environment that has allowed many unbiblical practices to go unchecked.
By Joe N. Wandah, contributing writer
While freedom of worship is a constitutional right in Liberia, the way it is being exercised today leaves many critical thinkers questioning its impact. Liberia is often referred to as a “Christian nation,” yet what we see today under that label is far removed from the values and discipline that once defined Christian practice in the country.
My reflections focus on recent trends within Liberia’s Christian community that are casting a negative shadow over the faith’s public image and moral authority.
Following Liberia’s return to democratic governance, especially during the 12-year leadership of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, many Christian leaders abandoned their sacred responsibility to be the moral compass of the nation. In exchange for financial gain and political favor, they compromised their prophetic voice, thereby betraying the trust of their congregations—who constitute nearly 70% of the population.
This moral decline created an open door for the unchecked proliferation of churches—often in makeshift zinc structures—led by self-proclaimed “men of God” who lacked any theological training. Many of these individuals broke away from established churches solely for the purpose of personal enrichment, capitalizing on titles, offerings, “special seeds,” and other money-driven activities.
One of the most striking examples occurred when President George Manneh Weah was elected in 2017. Soon after, he opened a lavishly furnished church called Forky Klon Jlaleh Family Fellowship, whose membership largely consisted of political hopefuls and government officials seeking favor.
Similarly, the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, having studied theology in Nigeria under the mentorship of the late Pastor T.B. Joshua, founded Christ Chapel of Faith Ministries. This church also became a haven for political loyalists and job seekers, exploiting his influence in Liberia’s political sphere.
These activities all unfolded under the silent watch of the Liberian Council of Churches, the umbrella body responsible for Christian affairs in the country. Its inaction raises serious questions about its oversight and leadership role.
Even more troubling is the way churches became political staging grounds, particularly the Forky Klon Church and Christ Chapel, both of which saw surges in attendance from politicians and job seekers. However, following President Weah’s loss in the 2023 elections, attendance at his church dramatically dropped. Many of his former members shifted to Effort Baptist Church on Weaver Street in Paynesville, which is now emerging as another center of political alignment and job seeking. This trend is both saddening and alarming for a nation that prides itself on Christian values.
Today, anyone can start a church in Liberia. Founders, often disgruntled former members of other congregations, crown themselves as “general overseers” and build churches more for profit than for spiritual growth. These churches frequently ignore scriptural guidelines for leadership, such as integrity, moral uprightness, and good reputation.
While Christians often cite freedom of religion and association, the Bible clearly emphasizes order, obedience, and proper conduct in worship. So, why do those entrusted with religious and moral authority remain silent while politicians hijack pulpits and manipulate churches for their own ends?
Churches are now giving honorary titles and leadership positions to politicians—sometimes in exchange for financial contributions, cars for pastors, or help with building projects. The sanctuary, once considered sacred, is now politicized and commercialized.
Yes, Liberia’s Constitution guarantees religious freedom. However, the Church should be a sanctuary where only those with proven character and biblical qualifications assume leadership. The Bible outlines these clearly: leaders must be faithful to one spouse, free from corruption, and have a good reputation.
Unfortunately, many churches today are in fierce competition—plastering oversized billboards in communities, featuring images of founders and their spouses in extravagant attire adorned with expensive jewelry. These signs direct followers to unfinished concrete buildings or ramshackle zinc structures blasting loud music and sermons through oversized speakers, often disturbing entire neighborhoods.
All of this, supposedly, in the name of serving God.
The Liberia Council of Churches should not close it’s eyes to what’s happening to the mushrooming churches in the country and take urgent steps to halt the abuse on the body of Christ.
Joe Noutoua Wandah is a Media advocate and contributing writer.
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