– Bishop Kortu Brown Defends National Prayer Amid Debate
Brewerville, Montserrado County – As Liberia continues to debate the role of prayer in national affairs following President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s July 30th day of fasting and prayer for peace, Bishop Kortu Brown has weighed in with a clear message: “There is nothing wrong with praying.”
The presidential call for prayer has sparked heated discussions across Liberia. Critics argue that the government is using prayer as a distraction from its failure to address the country’s economic struggles. “Why declare a holiday for prayer when what we need are solutions, not sermons?” one commentator asked. Others have criticized the perceived hypocrisy, noting that many government officials skip worship services when prayer days are declared, opting instead for leisure activities.
But Bishop Brown, speaking at New Water in the Desert Assembly APC on August 3, pushed back against the skepticism. “Liberia was founded on prayer,” he reminded the congregation. “For 200 years, we have prayed together as a nation because it is our collective responsibility.”
He suggested a more structured approach to public prayer, proposing that future government-mandated prayer observances require public servants to gather in their offices at designated times. “This would make national prayer more inclusive and meaningful,” he said.
The bishop pointed to Liberia’s Constitution, which opens with gratitude to God for the nation’s freedom and sovereignty. “Seeking divine guidance isn’t just tradition—it’s a constitutional obligation,” he argued.
He also cited biblical injunctions to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to turn from “wicked ways” (2 Chronicles 7:14) as prerequisites for national transformation. “Prayer alone won’t fix our problems, but it strengthens us to do the work required,” he said.
Bishop Brown was careful to clarify that prayer should not excuse poor governance. “Prayer enables good leadership; it doesn’t replace it,” he said. “We must still act—on the economy, education, health, and reconciliation. But we act better when we pray first.”
Closing with an impassioned plea, the bishop urged Liberians not to abandon their spiritual roots. “No matter the challenges, Liberia must never stop praying. We are a nation of faith, and prayer is our heritage.”
