By Vaye Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Inter-Religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) endorsed the upcoming Strengthening Families Conference on Tuesday, assuring Liberians that the event seeks to promote family wellbeing and national development—not advance any particular religious doctrine.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsors the conference, which opens in Monrovia on June 19. The gathering will bring together religious leaders, government officials, civil society organizations, and traditional authorities to discuss strategies for strengthening family life across the country.
In a joint statement, Christian and Muslim leaders said their review of the conference found no evidence that the gathering would serve as a platform for religious or doctrinal instruction. Instead, they described it as a space for dialogue on issues affecting families and communities.
“We recognize that strong families are the foundation of a stable and prosperous nation,” the council stated, “and we remain committed to supporting efforts that strengthen family life across our country.”
The religious leaders noted that Liberia’s family structures have undergone significant changes due to civil conflict, economic hardship, migration, and social transformation. These challenges have produced diverse family arrangements, including single-parent households, child-headed homes, and grandparent-led families.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe, General Secretary of the Liberia Council of Churches, said such realities demand compassion, understanding, and practical support—not narrow interpretations of family structures.
The statement also linked strong families to broader social issues, including poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence, maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare and education. Religious leaders urged stakeholders to engage in open and respectful discussions on matters affecting women, children, youth, and vulnerable groups.
“Families cannot be separated from the health, safety, and dignity of the people who make up those families,” the statement emphasized.
The council further called for inclusive consultations in shaping policies related to family welfare, culture, health, and social development. It urged government institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, women, and young people to participate in decision-making processes.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the Inter-Religious Council pledged to support initiatives that promote ethical values, social cohesion, and family stability while serving the broader interests of society.
The council disclosed that organizers have invited it to contribute educational content during the conference. It commended the organizers for creating a platform that encourages collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
This year’s conference marks the eighth edition of the annual event, following previous gatherings in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. Last year’s conference in Freetown, hosted by Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, focused on women’s empowerment and child protection.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe read the statement in the presence of Christian and Muslim clergy, including representatives of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia and the National Muslim Council of Liberia.
