The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has reaffirmed its moral mandate following public outcry over its recent decision to honour House Speaker Richard Koon for his dedication and commitment to public service.
The honour, which was intended to recognize Koon and former Speaker Fonati Koffa’s contributions to Liberia’s growth, has sparked a significant backlash from various sectors of the country, thus prompting the LCC to clarify its position and reaffirm its commitment to social justice and ethical leadership.
It can be recalled that the controversy erupted after the LCC announced its intention to present both Speaker Koon and Rep. Koffa with a prestigious award during a ceremony held recently in commemoration of the Council’s anniversary.
Critics argued that honoring Koon, who has faced allegations of leading a team of Representatives to illegally remove Koffa from the Speaker position, thus causing a disturbance in the governance of the Country, undermines the church’s moral authority.
Many citizens have further expressed their disappointment, stating that the church, as a voice for the voiceless in Liberia, should not align itself with individuals perceived to be part of the systemic issues affecting the country.
In response, the Council said, “The LCC sought to celebrate good public service, and we intended to foster national healing and model the Christian values of reconciliation nationally.”
According to LCC, its intention was sincere, but it humbly acknowledges that the inclusion of both Speakers, especially in light of recent national tensions, was seen by many as poorly timed, even with its good intentions.
The Council further maintained, “We have heard the public’s voice, not as hostility, but as heartfelt reverence for the LCC’s enduring role as a moral compass, and concern expressed is not rooted in rejection, but in protection.”
“It is born from love, not loathing. It is a call to preserve the integrity of an institution long trusted to speak truth to power, defend the voiceless, and hold leadership accountable,” the LCC emphasized, in a statement issued yesterday, June 3, 2025, in Monrovia.
The Council, however, assured, “The LCC stands not as a perfect body but as a principled one, anchored in self-correction, truth, and courage. So, we embrace this lesson with humility and recommit to doing better.”
“The nation has endured seasons of crisis, including the pain of seeing a part of our capital scarred by fire. We must never forget those wounds. But in remembering, we must also lead with renewed commitment to justice, peace, and collective restoration.
As we move forward, the LCC remains devoted to fostering unity without compromising conviction, and to promoting reconciliation without erasing accountability. Ours is a sacred responsibility: to nurture the moral soul of the nation and to remain a fearless voice of advocacy and hope,” the statement asserted.
The LCC added, “Let this moment not be one of division, but a turning point. Let it serve as a reaffirmation of our shared desire for integrity in public life and compassion in national dialogue. We remain anchored in peace. Rooted in justice. Reconciled in hope.”
