ISHMAEL F. MENKOR
Africa-Press – Liberia. A prelate of the United Methodist Church has said that the current generation of Liberians lacks self–discipline and, as such, the nation’s culture, norms, traditions, and values are eroding at a very fast pace.
Rev. Christopher G. Marshall, a Methodist pastor and head of the church’s Department of General Education and Ministry, said the changing behaviors (for the worst) in society, including the way people dress, speak, and behave, are worrisome. The cleric expressed his concerns over his observation recently at the commencement convocation of the Ganta United Methodist School in Ganta, Nimba County.
Marshall emphasized the importance of self-discipline in upholding cultural values and making Liberia a better place. He shared an example from his time in Germany, where he noticed the absence of car horn sounds and observed citizens maintaining discipline by not littering the streets.
He noted that people no longer control themselves the way they used to in times past. “The way we dress, we talk and the way we even sit down in our culture, discipline is no more,” he said. “The ethical discipline in our culture is no more, but the only way we can sustain this cultural discipline is by disciplining ourselves in order to make Liberia better,” he said.
The prelate’s frustration intensified when he experienced excessive noise and disruption during the graduation ceremony, with parents and guardians moving around, carrying flowers and soft drinks for graduates, accompanied by the loud sound of vuvuzelas.
“The only way Liberia will be good again is only when we discipline ourselves and stop these lawless behaviors,” he said. “When will we decide to live a disciplined life in this country and make Liberia better?”
He implored Liberians for a change in such disorderly behaviors, emphasizing that the country can only progress when its citizens practice self-discipline. “When will Liberians decide to lead disciplined lives,” Rev. Marshall wondered, emphasizing the correlation between discipline and national development.
He expressed concerns about inviting speakers to graduation ceremonies due to the indiscipline observed among graduates and their families. Marshall also highlighted the United Methodist School System’s historical significance in Liberia as one of the oldest faith-based school systems in the country.
The Methodist Church has been involved in education since the construction of the College of West Africa in 1839. Currently, the church operates 68 schools, including 28 high schools, 17 junior high schools, several elementary and primary schools, and a university.
Source: Liberian Observer
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