Liberia: “Stop Honoring Corrupt Leaders”
Reverend Emmett L. Dunn.
... Says Rev. Emmett L. Dunn, as Providence Baptist Church Climaxes its bicentennial celebrations
Reverend Emmett L. Dunn, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Lott Carey Global Christian Missional Community, has called on Liberians, especially the religious communities to move away from the attitude of honouring corrupt leaders.
Rev. Dunn said enough is enough and as such, the religious leaders need to stand on the principle of God’s commandment to give hope again to Liberians in the midst of abject poverty and corruption that is ongoing in this country.
The Lott Carey Global Missional Community's chief scribe also urged the religious communities to continue to do what they do by speaking truth to power without fear.
Rev. Dunn made these remarks on Sunday, December 26, 2021, when he served as guest preacher at the official closing of the Providence Baptist Church 200th year of existence or bicentennial anniversary.
The bicentennial celebration, which took place at the corner of Broad, Center and Ashmun Streets, was well-attended by some government officials including the Vice President of Liberia, Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor, pastors, deacons and choirs, among others.
The bicentennial celebration, which began on February 14 to December 26th of this year, was held under the theme: “Bridge to Providence: The Church That Built A Nation.”
This Church's historic bicentennial is a celebration of the grace of God for the vision, mission, members, partnerships and works that He has placed in their (PBC) stewardship throughout this 200-year journey.
Established in 1821, Virginia, USA, Providence Baptist Church played a very significant part in the history of Liberia as a nation. The aforementioned Declaration of Independence was signed in the edifice of the old Church building, which is a National Shrine.
There, also, the original constitution of Liberia was debated and the national Flag was made.
Rev. Dunn said: “We need to say enough is enough. Now it is the time for churches to stop asking government officials to bring in their offering and you know very well the money they are bringing is stolen money. Now it is the time to stop honoring bad leaders in our churches—father of year, mother of year.”
According to him, the day for Liberians to think that America will come to their aid is over and it is now time that we hold our leaders accountable for the suffering of the ordinary people.
In her brief remark, Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor used the occasion to congratulate Rev. Samuel B. Reeves and others for their commitment and dedication in making the Providence Baptist Church bicentennial celebration a memorable one.
She expressed the hope that the celebration will unite Liberians since the Providence Baptist Church was the one to give birth to Liberia.
Vice President Taylor also urged Liberians to do what the Bible says because they all are not going to be here within the next one hundred years.
Howbeit, Madam Taylor told Baptists that wherever they will find themselves, Providence Baptist Church will be celebrated because it was Providence that gave birth to Mama Liberia.
Meanwhile, the bicentennial anniversary also honoured over 50 committed and dedicated servants of God from the Baptist denomination includes, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Musician, Artist & Social Activist of Liberia; Rev. Moses W. Wonbenyakeh, Church Planter; Rev. Y. Sam Wehyee, SR., Church Planter; Rev. Dr. Abba Karnga, Veteran Pastor; and Henry Reed Cooper, former Chief Justice; Dr. Nadu Cooper, Rights Advocates for Girls & Women; Gloria Musu Scott, former Chief Justice, among others.