By Jamesetta D Williams
The Lutheran Church of Liberia has a historical reference in Liberia’s destructive civil war as one of the many epicenters of the brutal mayhem meted out against innocent and harmless civilians.
Thousands of Liberians were slaughtered at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Sinkor during the heat of the war by elements of the Armed Forces of Liberia. Dubbed the Lutheran Church Massacre, the horrifying moment is always reflected upon as Liberia struggles to establish a court to bring to justice those responsible for the mayhem.
Apparently given the significance of the Church to the decade-long crisis, the Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), Dr. Jallah A. Barbu, used a platform of the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) to intensify its advocacy for justice, accountability, reconciliation, and national healing.
Speaking at the 21st Biennial Convention and 166th Anniversary Celebration of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, Dr. Barbu urged the church to continue playing its historic role as a moral voice in the nation while advancing the gospel of peace, truth, and restoration.
Addressing a diverse gathering of religious leaders, government officials, civil society actors, and worshippers, Dr. Barbu emphasized that Liberia’s journey toward lasting peace must be anchored in justice and accountability.
He paid tribute to the more than 250,000 Liberians who lost their lives during the country’s civil conflict and called for a moment of silence in honor of the victims, while recognizing the many survivors who continue to live with deep emotional and psychological scars.
Dr. Barbu stressed that the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, along with a National Anti-Corruption Court, is critical to Liberia’s healing and reconciliation process. He noted that these institutions would help confront impunity, promote accountability, and restore public trust in the rule of law.
He also praised the Lutheran Church in Liberia for its longstanding role as a beacon of hope and healing during some of the nation’s most difficult periods. He encouraged church leaders to use their pulpits to advocate for truth, justice, forgiveness, and national renewal.
“You have the power to transform lives through messages of truth, accountability, and forgiveness,”
Dr. Barbu said.
He emphasized that healing is a shared national responsibility one that requires truth-telling, accountability, compassion, and the active participation of all Liberians.
Dr. Barbu concluded by reaffirming the indispensable role of the church in Liberia’s recovery and reconciliation, reminding attendees that building a just, peaceful, and inclusive society is a collective effort.
The convention, held under the theme, “United in Christ for the Healing of the Church and the Nation,” served as a powerful reminder of the vital role faith-based institutions continue to play in Liberia’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and national transformation.
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