Bishop Brown described the moment as a spiritual opportunity for reflection and rededication to the moral obligations of leadership.
MONROVIA – As Liberia prepares to commemorate its 177th Independence Anniversary, a call for moral and spiritual leadership rang out during a special intercessory and thanksgiving prayer service held on Sunday, July 20 at Trinity Cathedral on Broad Street in Monrovia.
The service, which brought together top government officials, clergy, and citizens, featured a profound message from Bishop Kortu K. Brown, former President of the Liberia Council of Churches.
Though unable to attend in person, Bishop Brown delivered his message through his designated representative, Rev. Miatta R. Sirleaf, General Secretary of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church International.
Held as part of official Independence Day observances, the prayer gathering was graced by President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, their families, cabinet members, lawmakers, and a cross-section of the Liberian public. The event served not only as a moment of religious observance but also a call to spiritual and ethical accountability at the highest levels of national leadership.
During her remarks, Rev. Sirleaf conveyed Bishop Brown’s charge to the nation’s leaders, urging them to lead with integrity and resist the temptations of corruption, deceit, and pride. The central scripture guiding her message was Psalm 101, often known as the “Leadership Manifesto of King David.”
“I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me,” she read aloud to the congregation, emphasizing the biblical expectation for public officials to be examples of moral uprightness.
Rev. Sirleaf continued by leading a prayer on behalf of Bishop Brown, seeking divine wisdom for President Boakai and Vice President Koung and praying for clarity, courage, and strength in the face of national challenges.
“We thank you, Lord, for their health and well-being, their protection, stewardship, and guidance since their ascendancy to the offices of President and Vice President,” she prayed. “We ask for your continued direction as they lead this nation through trying times.”
In a statement issued after the service, Bishop Brown described the moment as a spiritual opportunity for reflection and rededication to the moral obligations of leadership. He stressed that public service, especially at the presidential level, carries a spiritual weight that requires discernment and divine support.
“As we mark another Independence Day, we must turn our hearts to God and pray for those who lead us,” Bishop Brown said. “The presidency is not just a political office. It is a spiritual assignment. We pray that God grants President Boakai and Vice President Koung clarity in crisis, integrity in office, and the courage to make the right decisions for our people.”
The intercessory gathering, organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia and supported by other major faith groups, drew religious leaders from multiple denominations. It provided a solemn and unifying platform for collective national prayer at a time when Liberia continues to confront pressing socio-economic issues, including poverty, youth unemployment, and governance reforms.
In addition to praying for political leaders, the service also focused on the broader national atmosphere—calling for peace, justice, social cohesion, and spiritual revival.
“Let us pray for national healing and a renewal of commitment to our shared values,” Rev. Sirleaf told attendees. “Liberia must rise not only through infrastructure and economic development but through righteous leadership grounded in service and humility.”
