20 March 2008
The Catholic Church of Liberia has joined other religious institutions pleading for adjustment in the day set aside for the commencement of census. According to the government, Friday is the day census will begin and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has already issued a proclamation to that effect.
The church in a press statement narrated that it believes that participation in the upcoming 2008 Census is a civic responsibility, and that Census is meant to serve the interest of all Liberians, especially for developmental purposes.
Rev. Msgr. Andrew J. Karnley said Christians also have a sacred obligation to observe and celebrate day in the calendar of the Christian Church.
In the wake of the conflict that mars the commencement of census and Good Friday, the church observed that Christians are torn between two equally important obligations, civic and religious duties.
"As such, it would be prudent and even expedient that government does not ignore the sacredness that the Christian Church attaches to Good Friday," the statement said.
According to the church, out of respect for the religious sensitivity of Christians, an adjustment in the date for the commencement of the Census would enable Christians fulfill their religious duty on Good Friday and also fully participate in the census subsequently.
"We once again strongly appeal to government to see reason for the census to begin on any other day than Good Friday, Hold Saturday and Easter Sunday," Catholic Church said.
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church, Rev. John Innis, also President of the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) is also angry by the move and called on the government to do something. But, according to observers, the appeared determined and poised to go ahead with the process on the day in question.
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