— “Legalization of same sex marriage, euthanasia… undermines Liberia’s moral and religious foundation,” they say
Monrovia— The Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL), has rejected the government’s proposed public health bill, citing concerns over its legalization of abortion and other provisions they deem detrimental to the sanctity of life and family values.
In their 2025 Lenten Pastoral Message, the bishops, led by Most Rev. Anthony Fallah Borwah, President of CABICOL, joined forces with the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the National Muslim Council to call for a firm rejection of the bill.
“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” CABICOL stated Wednesday, March 5.
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a person or animal suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma, according to Oxford Dictionary.
“The Church’s perennial teaching, as inscribed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC #1700), is that ‘human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception till its normal end.’ The commandment of God is clear: ‘Thou shall not kill’ (Exodus 20:13).”
The Catholic leaders emphasized that the proposed legislation is not only a threat to the right to life but also undermines Liberia’s moral and religious foundation.
The Church said it has long stood against abortion, emphasizing the value of life from conception to natural death, and this position remains unwavering in the face of new legal challenges.
CABICOL noted that the rejection of the Public Health Bill is one of several significant concerns raised by the bishops in their pastoral message.
In their message, they also expressed their deep worries over ongoing issues affecting governance and national progress.
At the same time, in addressing the government’s handling of public resources, Most Rev. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, Metropolitan Archbishop of Monrovia, pointed to the disproportionate allocation of funds in the national budget.
“The high allocation for recurring government expenditures at the expense of development and social welfare must be addressed. Manipulating the budget to serve individual interests rather than the common good hinders the growth of our nation,” he remarked.
The bishops are calling for greater transparency and accountability within the three branches of government to ensure the national budget serves the broader interests of Liberians.
The Catholic Bishops also voiced concerns about recent developments in the House of Representatives, which they fear could undermine Liberia’s democratic processes.
“The recent happenings on Capitol Hill, particularly in the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, are concerning. If not addressed, they risk derailing the progress Liberia has made since the end of our civil conflict,” Most Rev. Andrew Jagaye Karnley, Bishop of Cape Palmas also stated.
CABICOL is urging lawmakers to uphold the Rule of Law and adhere to the Principle of Accountability.
Another critical issue the Church highlighted is the long-standing call for a War and Economic Crimes Court to address the injustices of Liberia’s brutal civil war.
In their statement, the bishops reiterated the need for accountability and justice, echoing the position of Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis, who once stated, “If we do not have justice in this country, we will not have peace and reconciliation.”
The bishops welcomed the recent commitment from President Joseph N. Boakai to support the establishment of the court, emphasizing that it was essential for healing and national unity.
“We believe that the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court will initiate the process of accountability, justice, and reconciliation, and put an end to the culture of impunity,” CABICOL maintained.
The Lenten message also called for national reconciliation and healing, urging Liberians to reflect on their personal and societal roles.
During the 40 days, the bishops called for an end to societal divisions, which they say continue to hinder the country’s development.
As such, they expressed the need to work together in unity to build a better Liberia,” Most Rev. Borwah said.
“Let us remember that all of us are created in the image and likeness of God and that reconciliation and forgiveness are essential to our shared future.”
As the country navigates these challenging issues, the Catholic Bishops of Liberia said they will continue to offer their spiritual guidance, advocating for the protection of life, justice, and peace.
