Monrovia — An awards ceremony organized by the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) intended to honor House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and several public officials descended into controversy and public criticism, with prominent figures denouncing the event as a betrayal of the Council's values.
The ceremony, held at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary in Paynesville, was meant to celebrate what the LCC called the "service to church, state, and humanity" of Speaker Koon and other government figures. However, what was intended as a moment of national recognition instead became a flashpoint for public outrage.
Tensions peaked during the presentation of Speaker Koon's award, which was to be received on his behalf by Representative James Kolleh, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, Order and Administration.
As the citation was being read, Ambassador Olubanke King-Akerele, a respected former Foreign Minister and longtime stateswoman, stood and interrupted the proceedings in protest.
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Visibly angered, Ambassador King-Akerele denounced the honors being bestowed on public officials, saying the decision was misguided and dishonored the purpose of such recognition.
"This is wrong! It is unconstitutional. These people are supposed to be honored? This is a disgrace," she declared in a forceful tone in front of a stunned audience gathered at the Bishop George D. Brown Hall of Fame. She was later calmed and escorted back to her seat.
The LCC had described Speaker Koon as an "Astute Statesman for National Development," citing his "dedication and service to the national agenda, the church, and humanity." But critics say the process lacked transparency and reflected poorly on the LCC's commitment to its founding mission as a prophetic voice in Liberian society.
The backlash was not limited to those in the room. Prominent members of the faith and advocacy communities publicly condemned the LCC's actions.
Jefferson Knight, a well-known human rights advocate and United Methodist Church Monitor, issued a scathing statement. "Such conduct undermines the integrity and moral authority of the LCC, which should serve as a beacon of truth, justice, and spiritual guidance for the nation," he wrote. Knight called for the immediate resignation of the LCC's leadership.
"To preserve the dignity of this esteemed religious body and restore public trust, the current leadership must step down immediately. Only through genuine renewal and committed leadership can the LCC reclaim its rightful role as a courageous voice for societal betterment and moral integrity," Knight added.
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Knight warned that the Council's future credibility was at stake. "The time for introspection and decisive action is now. The future of the LCC--and its vital mission within Liberia--depends on it."
Even before the ceremony, criticism had been growing. Bishop Andrew Jagaye Karnley, a respected clergyman, had voiced concerns in a public Facebook post.
"It is deeply concerning to hear what's happening within the Liberia Council of Churches. The internal wrangling and the decision to honor a political figure who stirs controversy makes me wonder if the LCC has lost its moral compass," Bishop Karnley wrote.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the Bishop George D. Brown Hall of Fame, established in 2023 to recognize individuals for outstanding service to church, state, and society. Many Liberians are now questioning whether the awards still hold credibility under the current leadership of the LCC.
Observers say the incident reveals deeper divisions within the LCC and raises concerns about the politicization of religious institutions in Liberia. While the Council has long been revered for its role in national reconciliation and social justice, critics argue that it now risks losing its prophetic voice by aligning too closely with political elites.
For many, the question remains whether Liberia's leading religious body can return to its foundational mission of moral leadership in a deeply divided and politically sensitive society.
