Africa-Press – Liberia. Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has declined an invitation from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to attend a planned roundtable discussion scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025, citing concerns over the presence of the current leadership of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC).
In a communication dated November 5, 2025, addressed to Col. Wilson W. Boe, Sr., Coordinator of the Joint Security at the Ministry of Justice, STAND’s Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. said the decision stems from consistent observations and prior experiences that, in their view, compromise the Council’s neutrality and moral standing, casting its current leadership as more of regime collaborators than impartial clergy.
According to the letter, STAND’s position arises from what it describes as the LCC’s repeated failure to demonstrate impartiality in national affairs.
“Despite their earlier assurance of impartiality, the LCC leadership failed to play any mediating or moral role following President Joseph Boakai’s public ridicule of the people’s July 17 protest,” the letter noted.
The group accused the LCC of remaining conspicuously silent while government officials dismissed citizens’ legitimate grievances, an attitude STAND says contradicts the Council’s moral and civic duty to promote reconciliation and understanding.
STAND further criticized the LCC for repeatedly aligning itself with government interests, including tacit support for controversial figures and institutions accused of undermining the integrity of governance.
Communication also cited the Council’s recent decision to honor a public official whose elevation to the Speakership was widely regarded as tainted by corruption and political manipulation, a move STAND says has further eroded the LCC’s credibility and moral authority.
“Given these realities, it would be both impractical and inconsistent with our values to sit at the same table with individuals whose moral and institutional objectivity are deeply compromised,” the letter stated.
“We therefore respectfully request that the Ministry proceed with the roundtable discussion excluding the current leadership of the LCC, whose presence would undermine the sincerity and credibility of the engagement,” it added.
While firm on its condition, STAND emphasized its openness to continued collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police.
“We remain open and willing to engage constructively with the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police at any time and venue of your convenience, provided that our above-stated condition is duly respected.”
Chairman Morlu also extended appreciation to the Ministry for its ongoing cooperation and reaffirmed STAND’s commitment to peaceful, nonviolent, and democratic advocacy as the organization prepares for its December 17 “Lead or Leave” Protest, described as a people’s call for accountability, justice, and responsible governance.
STAND thanked the Ministry for recognizing the peaceful nature of its July 17 protest, stating, “We are gratified that the Ministry recognizes that we are not a violent group, but a respectable body of patriotic citizens driven by an unyielding commitment to the peace, progress, and democratic renewal of our beloved country. We act, speak, and even protest out of love for Liberia, and we willingly give ourselves to be ‘burnt’ in the service of its good and future.”
In its earlier communication on November 3, 2025, the Ministry of Justice acknowledged receipt of STAND’s notification of its planned nonviolent protest and reaffirmed that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Chapter I, Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution and relevant international conventions.
The Ministry invited STAND to the November 7 roundtable to coordinate with the Liberia National Police on security and logistical measures for the December protest, adding that the Liberia Council of Churches would also be included in the discussion.
With STAND’s latest position, its participation in the meeting now depends on excluding the current LCC leadership.
Source: Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia,
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