Release #054 {2918} April 25, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- As an outspoken proponent of peace in Liberia, United Methodist Bishop Arthur Kulah's life has been in danger so often that he thanks God for safely arriving home from his office each day.
Despite the risks, Kulah intends to return to his war-torn African nation. "I'm going back to Liberia to be with my people," he said during an April 25 press conference at the United Methodist General Conference here.
But he warned the bitter fighting that has plagued Liberia since the end of 1989 could spread to other West African countries unless the United Nations and United States government "take a very decisive role in bringing peace to Liberia."
Although he acknowledged the United States has sent hundreds of millions in humanitarian aid to Liberia since its civil war began, he noted that such aid will not bring a solution to a military situation.
"What we'd like is for the United States to be actively involved in bringing the war to an end," the bishop said.
Many of the soldiers are young boys and Kulah blamed the availability of "drugs of all kinds" for their moral degradation.
"They have no sense of reasoning, no feeling, no hearing," he explained. "Our young people are being destroyed."
In early April, the situation in Liberia deteriorated to a state of anarchy as uncontrolled fighting broke out in Monrovia, the capital city.
Attempting to escort an extended family of 13 girls and two boys to safety, the 60- year-old bishop and his wife Violet told of a harrowing journey to the border before they were finally out and able to travel to the United States.
But the United Methodist Church in Liberia, with about 77,000 members, represents hope, according to Kulah. Because of its mission, he must return.
"I have suffered many, many things but my faith in God is such that it keeps me going," he said.
-- Linda Bloom
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