THE CHURCH IN Liberia has historically been a very important partner of the government in meeting the socio-economic needs of the Liberian people. In addition to being the religious and social conscience of the nation, the church has played a critical role in government’s effort to provide education and health for the Liberian people. Ecclesiastical schools and hospitals rank among the most important across the nation. But the church assumed another critical role during the fourteen years of civil war: it became a stakeholder, a partner in the national and international quest for peace, and goes down in history as being one of the stakeholders of the Comprehensive Accra Peace Accord. Such a historic, critical role is enough reason for public concern at what looks like deteriorating relationship between the church and the state.
THE DETERIORATION LIES in the allegation that the President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has “hatred for the CDC regime, using his religious connection to conceal his mendacious posture as a fearless politician and using his campaign to even get even with anyone who has been through his hypocrisies and viciousness”. The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has denied this allegation from the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Minister of Information.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT of the Liberia Council of Churches, Bishop D. Jensen Seyenkulo, in his denial, said, “This statement coming from high profile officials of government is worrisome and counted as an affront to morality and disrespect to Episcopal leadership. Therefore, the Council has expressed dismay at statements repeatedly made by government officials against the LCC.”
BISHOP SEYENKULO EMPHASIZED that the statement from the Minister of Information and the Solicitor General of Liberia against the President of the Council of Churches portray an unfriendly atmosphere between the church and the state, which is far from the LCC. He further mentioned that the Council of Churches has been a champion of good relationship, and upholds its mission that fosters partnership at national and international levels.
BISHOP SEYENKULO PROCEEDED to observe that the church remains the prophetic voice of the voiceless, and will not be intimidated by anyone to demean the hard-earned respect required for religious leaders. “Our cultural and religious values teach us to be obedient and respectful to every authority,” Bishop Seyenkulo voiced. He said the church has not opposed any political leadership of the country, and therefore called on the government to see the church as a true partner and a great collaborator in progress.