Published: March 5, 2025
Monrovia – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) has issued its 2025 Lenten Pastoral Message, calling for national repentance, reconciliation, and social transformation. The message, titled “Repent and Believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15), urges personal and societal change, emphasizing justice and accountability amid Liberia’s ongoing challenges.
A Call for Change and Reconciliation
The Bishops stress the urgent need for conversion, urging Liberians to reflect on their actions and foster national unity. They warn that persistent political, tribal, and regional divisions threaten national harmony, perpetuating favoritism, nepotism, and discrimination.
“All people are created in God’s image and must work toward reconciliation at personal, familial, and national levels,” the statement reads. Quoting St. Paul, the Bishops emphasize, “We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God, and to one another” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Opposition to the New Public Health Bill
CABICOL has strongly opposed the proposed new public health bill, asserting that it promotes abortion under external influence. Standing in solidarity with the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council, the Bishops reaffirm their commitment to the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
They remind the public of the biblical commandment, “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13), and reiterate the Catholic Church’s position that life must be protected at all stages.
Concerns Over Governance and National Budget
While acknowledging Liberia’s democratic progress, the Bishops express concern over recent political instability in the House of Representatives. They urge lawmakers to uphold the rule of law and remain accountable to the people.
CABICOL also critiques the national budget’s heavy allocation toward recurring government expenses rather than development and social welfare. They call for transparency and equitable resource distribution, warning that financial mismanagement will impede national growth.
Support for War and Economic Crimes Court
Reaffirming their longstanding demand for justice, the Bishops welcome President Joseph N. Boakai’s commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. They invoke the words of the late Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis: “If we do not have justice in this country, we will not have peace and consequently reconciliation.”
CABICOL urges the government to take concrete steps toward accountability, asserting that addressing past injustices is crucial to ending Liberia’s culture of impunity and fostering national healing.
The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Time for Renewal
As the Catholic Church marks the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Bishops encourage Liberians to use this sacred period for personal conversion, community solidarity, and environmental stewardship. They call on citizens to embody mercy, forgiveness, and Christian hope in their daily lives.
A Final Appeal for Unity and Love
Concluding their message, the Bishops remind Liberians that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and embrace a new beginning. They urge all to follow St. Paul’s teachings: “Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Entrusting Liberia to the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace and Reconciliation, the Bishops extend their blessings for a renewed and hopeful future.
Discussion about this post