Several religious leaders have petitioned the Legislature to demolish all monuments across Monrovia.
The pastors under the banner, “Spiritual Revolution for Liberia” yesterday trooped on the grounds of the Capitol Building calling on lawmakers to reconsider and return the name of the capital from Monrovia to Christopolis which means City of Christ.
According to the group, knowing the importance of Israel and Liberia’s relationship, they are also asking that Liberia and Israel exchange diplomats who will reside in Monrovia and Jerusalem respectively.
“We further recognize the traditional friendship between America and Liberia but we want to see more concrete actions that will bring more satisfaction and development to the Liberian people ranging from Visa processes between the two countries among others,” the pastors stressed.
The religious group further maintained that they believe that the time has come for Liberia to take her rightful seat in the spiritual realm for which all Nations of Africa are praying for, and as such, Liberia must rise and shine for the glory of the Lord to be risen upon the nation.
Receiving the petition on behalf of his colleagues, Bong County District 3 Representative, Josiah Marvin Cole lauded the pastors for their peaceful assembly in presenting their concern to the lawmakers.
Rep. Cole who could not give the actual meaning of the monument erected on the grounds of the Capitol Buildings further promised to ensure that the petition be placed on floor for discussion/debate and subsequently for Plenary’s action.
It can be recalled that in 1827, the American Colonization Society (ACS), an organization formed, returned freed slaves to Africa and purchased some land in what was then called Upper Guinea in West Africa.
In 1821, a ship carrying some of these settlers landed in what is now Sierra Leone, but things didn’t go so well, and many of the settlers died. In 1822 a second ship was sent to rescue those settlers and take them to modern day Liberia. They established a settlement called christopolis.
In 1824, the city was renamed to Monrovia in honor of President James Monroe. President Monroe was a prominent supporter of the colony and in the concept of sending freed slaves to Liberia.
In keeping with the norms of the time, Monroe saw this as preferable to emancipation in America. This is the only non-American capital city named after a U.S. President.