By Lewis Teah Togba, Sr.
MONROVIA
Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area LAC/UMC, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., delivers a timely non-violence message to the citizens of Liberia in anticipation of the upcoming elections on October 10, 2023. The address will be broadcast live on United Methodist Radio and UMCTV Liberia on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, aiming to promote a peaceful atmosphere during the campaign period. See below message:
“The United Methodist Church in Liberia has existed as long as the Republic of Liberia and the two are intertwined. Spiritually, the United Methodist Church has kept its commitment to God and the people of the Republic of Liberia through Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. For the past 20 years, the United Methodist Church has continuously lived up to these and has been deeply involved in the change and transformation positively of the Republic and its people through various programs broadcast here on the United Methodist Radio, ELUM 98.7. And, moving into the 21st year, the Church’s radio station renews its commitment to serve the Liberian nation and its people so that God’s kingdom will come and God’s will be done here in Liberia and all across the world as it is in Heaven.
The United Methodist Church cannot be divorced from the founding of the Liberian nation, for the 1st President of the Republic was a United Methodist and the nation’s history is replete with United Methodists who served as Presidents of the Republic inclusive of the longest serving President, Lay Preacher William V. S. Tubman, Sr.
So, as we move towards Presidential and Legislative elections in barely 2 months, the United Methodist Church reminds us all that as Liberians, we must forever be mindful that we remain united not in selfish and destructive actions, but in words and deeds that unite and keep the democratic space equitable for all participants. Let us be mindful that elections will come and go and the nation will return to its business as usual hence, let us understand that staying united and true to the values that make for peace is better.
We must continue to exit after elections, so denigrating, insulting, exhibiting a spirit of connivance and removing ourselves from the nation refrain “in union strong success is sure, we will overall prevail” will be inimical to the survival of the democratic state.
As Bishop of the United Methodist, I remain in prayers for our nation as we go to elections on October 10.