Ecumenical solidarity team aids in preparation for Liberian elections
For immediate release: 17 August 2011
Meeting between the ecumenical team and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (centre)
Ecumenical observers appointed by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) have released a report on their visit to Liberia in advance of elections scheduled to take place on 11 October 2011. The seven-member delegation was led by Bishop Robert Aboagye-Mensah, a vice-president of the AACC, member of the WCC Central Committee and until recently presiding bishop of the Methodist Church in Ghana.
The report details historical conditions that have led to the upcoming elections and describes the findings of the Ecumenical Solidarity Mission following their travels through Liberia from 7 through 12 August. The report concludes that resolution of Liberia’s “difficulties and anxieties associated with the electoral process” will require “strong political will from major stakeholders to reach a political compromise”. The delegation pledges “continued accompaniment, prayers and solidarity” on behalf of the WCC and the AACC.
Full text of the report (pdf)
WCC member churches in Liberia