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Liberia: Presbyterian Pastor Challenges Journalists
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The Inquirer (Monrovia)
28 April 2008
Posted to the web 28 April 2008
The Pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Monrovia, Rev. Lawrence Bayusie has called on the Liberian media to embark on more educational and informative programs in the nation's rebuilding process.
While commending the media for its role in the country, he also urged practitioners to continue to do those things that could educate the people.
The Presbyterian clergyman spoke yesterday at the regular worship service of the church located at the corner of Broad and Johnson streets.The service was attended by members of the Press Union of Liberia, who were there to begin activities marking this year's World Press Freedom, which falls on May 3, this year.
Pastor Bayusie said it was time for Liberian journalists to engage in more 'investigative journalism' in the nation's fight against corruption and that the media should work to bring about positive changes in society.
Reflecting on the issue of freedom, the clergyman said freedom is essential for any society in that it brings about unity, and that this was necessary for the Liberian media.
He then challenged the Liberian media to work to achieve "self-sustainability" to serve as a deterrence to any attempts by any one or groups against manipulating the media. To achieve this, he called on the media to invest as this would help to build their capacity
Rev. Bayusie called on the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) to set standards that would create an environment for efficiency, positive control and quality work.
He also called on the media to look into the issue of modern technology and human resource development.
The Presbyterian pastor further called on the public to avail themselves to the process, noting that the press must be given access in its newsgathering activities.
After his challenge to the media, Rev. Bayusie then delivered his sermon on the theme, "In Spirit and in Truth," with texts from St. John 4:16-24 and Gen. 22:1-18. He frowned on people who were vacillating among churches.
He said many persons were facing this because they do not know what it takes to worship, adding," They do not know how to worship and who to worship."
He said there are problems in the church because there are many church goers and not worshippers. He said people will overcome this if only they appreciate the "manifestation of God."
At the end of his sermon, the eloquent preacher received a deafening applause from the congregation.
In remarks, PUL Secretary General, Peter Quaqua said press freedom was necessary for any society and that it should be seen as something in the interest of society. Therefore, he called on the public to be part of the campaign to ensure press freedom in the country.
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Among the few PUL members who attended yesterday's program were Henry Flomo, (PUL) Assistant Secretary, Jonathan Paye Layeleh (BBC), T-Max Jlateh (SKY FM), Melissa Chea-Annan (THE INQUIRER), Charles Cuffy (LBS), Jacob Parley (LBS), Philip N. Wesseh (THE INQUIRER), James Kiazulu (LIBERIA EXPRESS), Ora Garway (PUBLIC AGENDA) and Sebo Daniels (THE INQUIRER).
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