The Liberia National Pastoral Network for Peace (LNPNP) has called on Nimba County Senator, Prince Johnson to maintain the biblical mandate and sacredness of the holy pulpit in the discharge of his pastoral responsibility.
The Network also warned Sen. Johnson who is an evangelist to desist from using the church’s sacred desk, which they believe should be the center of biblical doctrines and liturgical affirmation, as a platform to propagate confrontational and provocative messages against political rivals.
The Pastoral Network further reminded that after several years of the country’s turbulent past, it is the duty of religious leaders with Sen. Johnson of no exception to be the torchbearers of peace and to serve as examples to the younger generation in peace-building and unity.
However, the Network calls came after a youth group under the banner of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) Youth Council created panic at Senator Johnson’s Christ Chapel of Faith Ministry, thus forcing members including Sen. Johnson and his wife to flee for safety after they stormed the church’s premises chanting “War Crimes Court.”
But addressing a press conference over the weekend in Monrovia, Bishop Justice V. R. Nyonsiea on behalf of the Network stated that the church is the center of redemption and as such, Sen. Johnson should preach messages that will inspire peace, hope, and redemption to his congregation.
Nyonsiea said, “We believe that the ecclesiastical transformation and development path of post-conflict Liberia under the Weah-led administration is something that all Liberians should appreciate, and the religious community must lead the way.”
He also condemned the action of the NPP youth group, stressing that Liberians, irrespective of their political affiliations, tribal backgrounds, and religious persuasions, should never resort to violence and crisis.
He emphasized, “Liberians must not do something to jeopardize the peace everyone enjoys today because the prospect of Liberia becoming economically viable and fostering more development lies in the hands of all Liberians.”
“And the expected October 10, 2023, general elections should be a clear manifestation and determinant for the country to continue its transformation, and in this way, we will foster religious tolerance, democracy, and meet the physiological needs of all Liberians,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pastoral Network head has further disclosed that in the wake of increasing waves of doctrinal diversities, religious denominations, and others, the group will submit its recommendation to the government to enact or create a ministry known as the “Ministry of Religious Affairs.”
This, he further revealed with have the sole responsibility to develop policies that would regulate all religious activities within the country.