Festus Mckeen
MONROVIA–The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia has publicly distanced itself from the planned “Strengthening Families Conference,” while simultaneously urging legislators to prioritize the swift passage of the draft Public Health Law.
The ‘Strengthening Families Conference’ is an offshoot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The conference has been held in Ghana, Sierra-Leone, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.
Critics contend that the conference is the precursor to targeting women, children and other vulnerable groups with harmful legislation.
In a statement read by Rev. Dr. Chris Wleh Toe, General Secretary of the Liberia Council of Churches, the interfaith body reaffirmed its commitment to family well-being but rejected what it called “narrow definitions” of family that fail to reflect Liberia’s diverse social realities.
Diverse Family Structures Recognized
The Council noted that Liberia’s family landscape has been shaped by the lasting impact of civil war, economic challenges, migration, and social changes, resulting in single-parent households, child-headed homes, extended family networks, and families overseen by grandparents or guardians.
“Meaningful discussions about strengthening families must reflect the life realities of Liberians,” the statement read, adding that family well-being is intertwined with challenges including poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Concern Over Lack of Consultation
The Council expressed particular concern that it has not been meaningfully engaged or consulted in the planning of the upcoming conference.
“The Council’s exclusion from such discussions raises vital questions about inclusivity, representation, and local ownership,” the statement said, calling for broad-based consultations involving national religious institutions, community leaders, civil society, women, youth, and other essential stakeholders.
The Council urged faith leaders, civil society organizations, women’s and youth groups, and all Liberians to critically examine initiatives that aim to define family, morality, and social values, ensuring they fully represent Liberia’s realities.
“The Council remains dedicated to being a moral voice in Liberia,” the statement concluded, encouraging citizens to be “cautious of conferences, campaigns, and external initiatives that may promote narrow definitions of family or undermine inclusion and human dignity.”
But responding, a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints repudiated the claims from the Inter Religious Council. “Our leaders are in discussion with them and the relationship is at a very good pace now.