The Catholic Bishops in Liberia have called for reconciliation and conversion amidst societal divisions exacerbated by politics, tribes, and regions. They lament the impact of these “old age demons of division” on progress and governance, urging accountability and justice. CABICOL emphasizes mutual respect and the fundamental rights of individuals for a peaceful society, warning of the dangers posed by recent violent incidents.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) has expressed grave concerns regarding the divisions affecting society during their 2025 Lenten Pastoral message. They urged for individual and societal conversion, emphasizing the need for reconciliation, which has been hindered by political, tribal, and regional divisions, leading to social alienation.
The Bishops lamented the persistent “old age demons of division” that continue to obstruct progression towards national unity. They highlighted that all individuals are created in the image of God and possess inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Such recognition should foster acceptance rather than create divides.
CABICOL underscored that increasing societal divisions contribute to negative behaviors such as favoritism, nepotism, and discrimination, which stymie national development. They acknowledged that while conflicts are inevitable, ideological disputes that escalate into violence are destructive to societal growth.
The Bishops also noted the infiltration of division into family structures, which has caused fragmentation among spouses and relatives. They stated the necessity for mutual forgiveness to combat these human limitations and emphasized reconciliation as a divine call.
On governance, CABICOL commended advances in Liberia’s democratic processes post-civil crisis but cautioned against potential setbacks due to violent incidents, such as the arson on Capitol Hill in December 2024, which threatens democratic progress.
Moreover, they addressed concerns over the national budget, urging government branches to prioritize collective welfare over individual interests. CABICOL demands accountability and justice, reiterating their commitment to reconciliation as a path for national healing.
In sum, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Liberia has identified deep-seated divisions as major obstacles to reconciliation and societal progress. They highlight the importance of individual and communal healing, accountability in governance, and the fundamental rights of all citizens as cornerstones for a unified and thriving nation. The Bishops’ call for cooperation among government institutions underlines the urgency of addressing these concerns to sustain Liberia’s democratic gains and foster national peace.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
