Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves
The Role of the Liberian Council of Churches:
A Question That Must Be Asked
As a concerned Liberian, I find myself deeply troubled by the selective engagement of the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC).
The Council exists to provide moral leadership, spiritual guidance, and a prophetic voice in times of national crisis.
Historically, the Church has been called upon not only to pray for the nation but also to speak truth to power, advocate for justice, defend the vulnerable, and offer hope to a hurting people.
Yet, over the years, Liberia has faced numerous challenges that have shaken public confidence and demanded moral clarity. We have witnessed unresolved rape cases, mysterious deaths, allegations of corruption, economic hardship, growing frustration among citizens, and cases that many believe have not been thoroughly investigated or properly adjudicated. Families continue to seek answers. Victims continue to seek justice. The nation continues to seek leadership.
Throughout much of this, the voice of the Liberian Council of Churches has been either absent, muted, or largely unnoticed.
This is why I am compelled to ask: Why now?
Why did the Council find it necessary to meet with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) regarding the ongoing investigation into the reported $19.2 million drug bust at Roberts International Airport and related concerns, while remaining largely silent on many other matters that have deeply affected the lives of ordinary Liberians?
What specifically prompted this engagement?
What role does the Council see for itself in this matter that it has not seen in other national crises?
If the Church believes it has a responsibility to provide moral guidance on issues affecting the nation, should that responsibility not extend to all matters of justice, accountability, human rights, violence against women and children, unexplained deaths, corruption, and governance concerns?
A prophetic voice cannot be selective.
The credibility of any institution rests not only on what it chooses to address, but also on what it chooses to ignore.
Liberians deserve to know whether the Council intends to be a consistent moral compass for the nation or whether it will continue to speak only when certain issues arise.
The nation needs a Church that is present not only during moments that attract headlines, but also during moments when victims have no voice, when families seek answers, and when justice appears delayed or denied.
This is not an attack on the Church. It is a call for consistency.
The Liberian people need spiritual leaders who will stand boldly and speak with the same passion against rape, injustice, mysterious deaths, corruption, abuse of power, and social decay as they do on any other issue affecting our nation.
Liberia needs more than prayers offered behind closed doors. Liberia needs a courageous, visible, and unwavering moral voice.
The question remains:
Where has the Liberian Council of Churches been, and why has it chosen this moment to speak?
Sincerely,
