Religious Diplomacy, a Plus Madam president
August 2, 2007 by Vafley A. Dolleh

Introduction:

In consonance with the spirit of religious tolerance and adherence to “Article 14 of the Constitution of Liberia,” regarding the secularity of Liberia as a Nation State, equitability in the treatment of divergent religious denominations, it was with admiration and unwavering applause your bold and courageous visits of the various “Mosques, ”a new precedent in post war Liberia. Indeed, we interpose no objection in joining the thousands of Muslims in saluting you for symbolic manifestation of religious tolerance.

Historical Reflection:

It must be noted that Liberia was founded as a result of the desire of the abolitionists of slavery to stop the cruel practice and find a place for the emancipated slaves that were in bondage on plantations in the Americas. Amidst the transition, they were Christianized, which is akin to Western civilization. They brought with them new norms and tenants to the mother- land. These developments to a larger extent conflicted with the traditional norms and practices that had existed in mama Africa. In the process, Africans were made to abandon the practices of their fore- fathers, ways of life and beliefs and embracing the new religion.

However, it must be noted that by then Islam had already spread and existed in Africa in close proximity with other African religions two hundred years before the coming of the white men in the 1800s, who brought the new faith. So the framers of the constitutions made no mistake when “Article 14 Clause” was infused. They saw the need to stabilize the country in lieu of the sensitivity of religion. The Clause says” Liberia is a Country with freedom of religion, and no religious denomination or sect shall have any exclusive privilege, but rather all shall be treated alike; more over the Country shall establish no State religion. With the candid point supra, it is no mistake that our dauntless, courageous and inspiring Leader weathered the storm with out fear or favor in visiting the various Mosques initiating the “Independence Day Intercessory Service.” We also appreciate your comment in ensuring that subsidy will hence forth be given to “Islamic Institutions.”

Appeal to the President:

Madam President, may we use this forum to appeal to you in line with your pledge to education, to please help in the renovation of the “Moslem Congress High School” that was burnt by tugs in the wake of the Moslems and Christians feud during the Charles Gudy Bryant’s era. It is unhealthy that despite promises made by the then leader regarding it renovation, nothing was done. As a manifestation of your commitment to education and your strives in nourishing diversity, it would do you well, if you were to undertake this Herculean task.

Madam President, your appearance with Minister Donzo and others at these worship centers was a bold and timely development that will go a long way in helping to narrow the divides that have serve as bottle necks and recipes for conflicts for years in Liberia. Apart, it signifies to the World that indeed, you are true leader. Congratulation Madam President and a prosperous Independence. May I remind you that one of the cardinal elements of divisiveness is the issue of religiosity, which should be treated with utmost caution and delicacy. Do not be distracted amidst the trend you have initiated. Similarly, we are mindful of your utterances in recent days regarding the return of Mandingoes Lands in Nimba County and the subsequent appointment of Mr. Mohammed Kamara as one of the Assistant Ministers at the Information Ministry. We stand by you Madam President.

Admonition to the Moslems:

To the Muslim Community, we call on you to reciprocate the President’s initiative with openness, and willingness in constructively engaging the Government so that together we can all build a prosperous, democratic and stable nation that will be a success story for us all and posterity unborn. Bravo Madam President!

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