Front Page Africa – 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.
“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.
