By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) is said to be faced with mounting internal disorder as a coalition of concerned member churches calls for an emergency General Assembly on November 26, 2024, at the Lutheran Compound.
The meeting, dedicated solely to the election of new leadership for the 2024–2026 term, reflects deep dissatisfaction with the current administration’s alleged constitutional violations and governance issues.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the coalition of churches invited all heads of LCC member churches and their designated delegates to participate in the election process.
They also announced the suspension of dues and delegate registration fees due to the emergency nature of the assembly. Instead, a fundraising initiative led by the Ecumenical Women Organization will be held to support the immediate induction of newly elected officers.
The coalition has declared that they no longer recognize Rev. Christopher W. Toe as the Secretary General (SG) of the LCC, effective November 8, 2024.
They accused him of constitutional violations, including extending his tenure under a newly adopted but contested constitution. They have resolved to cease any official dealings with him in his capacity as SG.
The coalition claims that the LCC leadership has violated their July 2024 resolution, which recommended that the newly adopted constitution, still in draft form, should not be implemented. Despite this, the leadership allegedly continues to enforce it.
Accusations were leveled against the LCC leadership for bypassing the General Assembly by holding meetings in an executive board chat room, a move described as unconstitutional and divisive.
The coalition cited a 400% increase in assessment dues from $300 to $1,200 as a move that excluded many churches from participating in the council’s activities.
They argue that Rev. Toe’s tenure expired but was extended indefinitely under the new constitution, which they see as a breach of governance norms.
The coalition alleged that the Secretary General locked the council’s doors to prevent concerned members from meeting to address grievances, escalating the disunity within the council.
The concerned churches invoked Article V (3.11) and Section 5 of the LCC Constitution to justify their call for an emergency General Assembly.
They argued that the May 2024 assembly, the constitutional month for LCC’s regular meeting, did not occur, leaving the leadership’s tenure in limbo.
“Given the gross violations of the LCC Constitution and the absence of proper leadership accountability, we are compelled to convene this emergency assembly to restore unity and constitutional order,” the coalition stated.
The statement emphasized that the ongoing crisis undermines the LCC’s role in fostering peace and democratic processes in Liberia. The council has historically played a critical role in mediating conflicts and promoting unity within the country.
The emergency General Assembly planned November 26, 2024, is expected to allow member churches to elect new officers and address longstanding governance issues.
Delegates have been allocated based on membership type: five for full members, three for associate members, and two for fraternal members.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the LCC as it seeks to resolve internal divisions and reaffirm its role in Liberia’s socio-political and spiritual landscape.
The eyes of both the religious and political communities will be closely watching the outcome of this critical assembly.
