INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF LIBERIA ENDORSES LDS-SPONSORED STRENGTHENING FAMILIES CONFERENCE, DENIES DOCTRINAL AGENDA AHEAD OF MONROVIA SUMMIT
BY: RUFUS DIVINE BROOKS JR.
MONROVIA – Liberia’s top interfaith body has endorsed next week’s Strengthening Families Conference in Monrovia, saying the LDS Church-sponsored event is focused on national development and not on promoting any single religious doctrine.
The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, in a joint statement with its Christian-Muslim relations program, said its review found “no connection between the gathering and religious or doctrinal instruction.
“The 8th annual conference opens June 19 and will bring together religious communities, civil society, traditional leaders, and government officials.
“We recognize that strong families are the foundation of a stable and prosperous nation, and we remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen family life across our country,” the council stated.
Addressing Post-War Family Realities:
Religious leaders noted that Liberia’s family structures have been reshaped by civil war, economic hardship, migration, and social change.
The result, they said, includes single-parent households, child-headed homes, and grandparent-led families.
“These realities require compassion, understanding and support, rather than narrow definitions of what constitutes a family,” the council said.
The statement linked family wellbeing to broader national challenges including poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare and education.
Call for Inclusive Dialogue:
The council urged open, respectful dialogue on issues affecting women, girls, young people, and other vulnerable groups, stressing access to education, security, and essential services.
“Families cannot be separated from the health, safety, and dignity of the people who make up those families,” they added.
Leaders cautioned that decisions on family, culture, and social development must come through broad consultation involving national institutions, community leaders, women, and youth.
They pledged to work with organizations promoting ethical values consistent with scripture.