By Amos Harris
Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has launched a scathing attack on Reverend Korto Brown, the former head of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC). Piah accused the outspoken cleric of disrespecting government officials and dismissed his comments as politically motivated.
Minister Piah’s reaction follows Rev. Brown’s recent remarks labeling senior officials of the Joseph Boakai-led administration as “mean,” a comment that has stirred controversy in both political and religious circles.
“Rev. Korto Brown has no respect for government officials,” Piah declared, challenging the cleric to “leave the pulpit and join the political arena” if he wished to act as a politician.
The Information Minister did not stop there. He openly questioned Rev. Brown’s credibility and leadership during his time at the LCC, alleging that the former church leader had no meaningful impact. “The United Methodist Church is currently engulfed in conflict; has he said anything about it as a former president of the council? What was his legacy?” Piah asked pointedly.
In what many observers saw as a personal attack, Piah also disparaged Rev. Brown’s local congregation, suggesting the church had failed to grow. “He should be thinking about improving his church and winning souls for Christ rather than insulting public officials. Even his members are reportedly not paying their dues. What moral authority does he have?” the minister added.
Rev. Brown, known for his outspoken views on governance, corruption, and social justice, has consistently criticized Liberian leaders for mismanagement and neglecting citizens’ welfare. His latest remarks appear to have struck a nerve within the Boakai administration, prompting a defensive counter from the government’s chief spokesperson.
Piah further cast suspicion on the political ambitions of religious leaders, who, in his view, hide behind the pulpit while advancing partisan agendas. He cited the current LCC president, who ran as a vice-presidential candidate in the last election, as an example of the blurred lines between church and state.
This escalating war of words highlights a growing rift between the Boakai administration and critical voices within the religious community. Analysts say the government’s aggressive tone toward Rev. Brown raises troubling questions about freedom of expression and whether clerics should remain confined to spiritual matters or continue to act as moral watchdogs.
As of now, Rev. Brown has not responded to Minister Piah’s stinging rebuke. However, ordinary Liberians have already voiced concern that instead of addressing pressing governance issues, senior officials are using national platforms to trade insults with respected clergy.
The controversy underscores a broader national debate: should Liberia’s faith leaders silence their criticism of the government, or should they be encouraged to serve as voices of conscience in a country still grappling with corruption, disunity, and weak leadership?
