Muslim council welcomes Christian churches' opposition to making Liberia a Christian nation

CB Condez Tuesday, May 17, 2016

In recognition of the position taken by the council of churches that rejects the proposal to make Liberia a Christian nation, the country's National Muslim Council has restored its membership with the Interreligious Council of Liberia.

Women from a evangelical Christian community locally referred to as 'prayer warriors' celebrate after the WHO declared the country Ebola-free in Monrovia, Liberia, May 9, 2015. | REUTERS / James Giahyue

"We see the decision of the Liberia Council of Churches as grounded in historical and humanistic discourses, and a commitment to making Liberia a bastion for peaceful coexistence irrespective of race, creed, ethnicity or religion," Front Page Africa Online quotes. "We hold that the foresight shown by the Council of Churches reveals that there remains Christian Leaders of compelling moral obligations to peace and stability in Liberia, who must be supported in their moral leadership to promote peaceful coexistence in Liberia."

Proposition No. 24, which proposes to make Liberia a Christian nation, was made by the Constitution Review Committee and, according to Daily Observer, the Joint Legislative Committee on Good Governance, the Judiciary, and Election & Inauguration has approved it for referendum. It will reportedly be considered by the National Legislature, but the council of churches has already announced early this month that they are opposed to the idea.

"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," said Episcopal Bishop Jonathan B. B. Hart, as quoted by Front Page Africa Online in earlier report.

Proposition No. 24 had reportedly sparked disagreements, which threatened the 25-year effort of the Inter Religious Council of Liberia to arrive at peace in the country. The National Muslim Council of Liberia said during its Special Executive Committee meeting on May 11 that the LCC's position shows their commitment to promote peace and harmony, and they expressed that the Muslim Council will "remain a force to foster national unity, peace, stability and development in Liberia."