Morris Dunoh, Sr.
Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia, with its compassionate citizens, must thoughtfully address concerns regarding our national identity. We have made notable strides in safeguarding our religious freedom, a crucial element of our diverse community. However, caution is necessary, as endorsing particular religious practices may lead to political implications that can foster deep divisions. Our forebearers prudently established Liberia as a secular nation in the constitution to prevent such conflicts. To genuinely honor the separation of mosque, church, and state, and to maintain the core principle of religious freedom, Liberia should avoid enacting laws for specific religious holidays. Such actions could be seen as favoring one faith over others, potentially infringing on \the rights of those who do not practice that religion.
The Constitution affirms that everyone is entitled to their freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. By ensuring that we do not impose religious preferences, we can protect this vital freedom and foster unity among all Liberians. Let us embrace our diversity and continue building a nation where every belief is respected and valued.
Why could such legislation could be problematic:
What Liberia MUST consider instead of legislating religious holidays?
In summary, this conversation is not about valuing the body of Christ or the Muslim community; rather, it focuses on a political strategy that seeks personal gain at the expense of our nation. There should not be any religious holidays mandated for Christians or Muslims. If you are a Christian who believes that celebrating Christmas or Easter is essential, that’s entirely valid, and the same applies to Muslims. If they choose to celebrate Ramadan or Abraham Day, that is perfectly appropriate; no one should be legally required to observe or follow the beliefs of another faith in the name of a national holiday. Religious national holidays add no value to either Christianity or Islam. The Gospel of John 4:20 states, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen”. This text highlights that our love for God is rooted in our love for each other. Our affection for each other illustrates our devotion to God. Both Muslims and Christians need to prioritize love among themselves if we genuinely love God; our dedication to mutual love, rather than our religious celebrations, will reflect our love for God, which is crucial for our peaceful coexistence as a nation.
Source: Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia,
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