Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Council of Churches in collaboration with the Presbyterian Church, United States has ended a one-day dialogue historical harm and reparation in Monrovia.
The dialogue, held under the theme: “Historical Harm, Reparation and Orientation: Back to the Future” discussed the efforts aimed at the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, establishing of war crimes court and the holding of elections free of violence.
Speaking during the climax of the dialogue, the co-moderator of the Presbyterian Church in the United States emphasized the need for further discussion to determine how the Christian community in the United States can help the Liberia Council of Churches meet some of the challenges aimed at bringing justice for the victims of the Liberian civil war.
Reverend Sharon Starling-Lewis welcomed the conversation between the Presbyterian Church, USA and expressed the hope that some of the issues discussed, including what reparation in Liberia looks like and their potential as a developing nation, may be worked on. She continued by saying that her team is grateful since the testimonies and tales shared at the dialogue are a wonderful contribution.
“The fact that we have been able to pray together, dream together, and share our vision about what can be done, we will continue to hold discussion and seek God’s guidance in whatever direction this will lead us.”
In order to secure support for some of the council’s aspirations, Revered Starling-Lewis gave the Liberia Council of Churches assurances on the Presbyterian Church in the USA’s advocacy efforts.
For his party, the General Secretary of the Liberia Council Churches, Reverend Christopher Toe, appealed to the Presbyterian Church of the United States for assistance in implementing many of its programs. He said the visit of the Presbyterian Church, USA comes at the time it is mostly needed because Liberia is heading to presidential and legislative elections.
We recently signed a memorandum of understanding with CSOs on a cooperative action on the whole issue, on the implementation of which reparation is a component, he said, adding: “We are discussing about the whole issue about the TRC report.”
According to him, they also raised the issue of memoralization of people killed as a result of the Liberian civil war because this is an issue that has not been touched which the council wants to bring to the government that is bad for this country.
The Presbyterian Church, USA was commended for sponsoring the dialogue earlier by LCC President Reverend Doctor Samuel Reeves, who is also the President of the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.
The eight-person delegation from the Presbyterian Church of the USA also included the Reverend Doctor Jermaine Ross Allam, Director of the Center for the Repair of Historical Harm, Miss Dayna Oliver, Associate for International Program Administration, and Dr. Elder Dianna Wright, Moderator of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations. Others included Rev. Cheryl Barnes, the Africa Area Coordinator, and Rev. Joshua D. Heikkila, the Regional Liaison for West Africa.
The dialogue was graced Reverend Samuel Qiure, Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference, United Methodist Church; First Vice President , LCC and Reverend Sanjee Abioseh Stepter, Second Vice President , LCC
The dialogue, which was held at the conference room of the Liberia Council of Churches, was graced by a cross session of the representatives from the National Muslim Council of Liberia, the Civil Society Organizations, women and youth groups, students among many others.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
Contact: +231777463963
Email: augustineoctavius@gmail.com
