Liberian president opposes Christian state plans

Translate Page

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a United Methodist, says efforts to declare Liberia a Christian state would create “division among the citizens based on religious belief.”

She made her comments when she submitted the report of the Constitution Review Commission to the National Legislature on August 18, 2015, five months after the commission met in Gbarnga and approved a proposal to make Liberia a Christian country.

In an eight-page letter to the Liberian Senate, Sirleaf said the founders of the Republic did not put into the Liberian Constitution a declaration of Christianity as the nation’s religion.

“The constitution has always allowed freedom of religion and worship without seeking to describe or prescribe one religion as the official religion,” she said, adding that Article 14 of the Liberian Constitution correctly separates religion and state, and provides specifically and unequivocally that the Republic shall establish no religion.

Proposals go to National Legislature

Sirleaf’s letter is expected to be discussed by the National Legislature as part of their efforts to hold a referendum on amending the Liberian constitution. Though the National Legislature is dominated by Christians, many Christians, including United Methodist Bishop John G. Innis, have opposed the proposal to make Liberia a Christian state.

Innis had said that constitutional provisions were not needed to practice the Christian faith and expand The United Methodist Church in Liberia.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ did not force people to follow him, so Christians should not advocate for legislation that will create conflict for our nation.”

Baptist, Catholic and Muslim leaders have also expressed opposition to the proposal according to news reports.

Earlier, the Constitution Review Committee presented Sirleaf, who is a member of First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, with its final report on all the recommendations from the National Constitution Conference on August 17, 2015.

The supporters of the changes to the Liberian constitution said they were simply trying to restore language that was originally in the preamble to the Liberian constitution that the nation was built on a Christian foundation. They say that language was removed in 1986 when the constitution was amended.

“We are not asking for a statute legislating Christianity,” said Sen. Jewel Howard Taylor.

Swen is editor and publisher of West African Writers, an online publication about United Methodist happenings in West Africa and assists the denomination in Liberia with coverage for United Methodist Communications.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, [email protected] or 615-742-5469.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Global Health
Dr. Marie Claire Manafundu, who coordinates the church’s Maternal and Child Health Program in eastern Congo, talks with children outside of United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu, Congo. The United Methodist Church in East Congo offers food support to families affected by HIV and AIDS. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Church gives hope to people living with HIV in Congo

With funding from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the church supports a program for more than 100 women living with HIV in the Kivu Conference.
Disaster Relief
Children walk among the destruction caused by massive flooding in the Bushushu village in Kalehe, Congo. More than 175 people, including 15 United Methodists, died after torrential rains overflowed the Chibira River in South Kivu. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodists killed in Congo flooding

Over 175 people, including 15 United Methodists, died after torrential rains overflowed the Chibira River in South Kivu. One church family lost 13 members.
Mission and Ministry
Murewa High School Headmaster Sydney Mapisaunga (left) and the Rev. Nyaradzai Matonga, chaplain at the Zimbabwe school, address students about the dangers of substance abuse. The United Methodist school ramped up efforts to raise awareness about the growing problem after several students were expelled for using drugs. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

United Methodists join fight against drug abuse

The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is helping raise awareness about the harms of drug and substance abuse and the importance of rehabilitation.

 

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2023 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved