Israel United in Christ Leader Urges Liberians to Reject Western Culture, Says Africa’s Poverty Tied to Colonial Legacy; Group says Jesus was Black and Liberians should stop going to churches & Mosque, claims Liberia is among Biblical 12 tribes
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA — The leader of Israel United in Christ, a U.S.-based faith organization, called on Liberians to reject Western culture and religions and “reconnect with their roots” as part of what he described as the 12 tribes of Israel.
Addressing the media in Monrovia Saturday, Bishop Nathanyel Ben Israel said his organization’s mission is focused exclusively on ministering to the 12 tribes, which he said include Liberia.
He argued that African nations have remained impoverished despite vast natural resources because they have abandoned their “original identity in the Old Testament” in favor of American and European culture.
“Liberia and Africa have historical ties to Israel but have ignored them while following Western ways,” Nathanyel said. “We are telling our people: Come back to your true heritage.”
Nathanyel contended that Africa’s challenges stem from both external exploitation and the adoption of Western religion, values, and cultural norms.
He also stated that Jesus Christ was a Black man, not white, a position consistent with IUIC’s teachings that Blacks, Hispanics, and Native American Indians are descendants of the Biblical Israelites.
Israel United in Christ describes itself as a Bible-based organization committed to the “spiritual awakening” of the 12 tribes through adherence to Old Testament law, including Sabbaths and Holy Days.
The group rejects Christmas and Easter and observes what it says are Biblical feasts from Leviticus.
The organization has drawn criticism from mainstream Christian and Jewish groups over its identity claims and public rhetoric.
IUIC maintains that it preaches “repentance and obedience to God’s commandments” as the solution to social and economic problems.
Nathanyel did not present specific economic data linking cultural practices to poverty rates during Saturday’s briefing.
He said IUIC plans to expand outreach in Liberia through street teaching and Bible study programs.
Israel United in Christ operates more than 100 “schools” or camps globally and is led by Bishop Nathanyel Ben Israel, who founded the movement.
The group says its goal is to reunite the “scattered remnants” of the House of Israel.