Liberia's economic and social infrastructure were virtually destroyed, including the pertinent services of hospitals and schools. People have been dying on a daily basis from diseases and malnutrition. The closure of industries and business has led to high unemployment and, consequently, a lack of resources for families to buy food.
The lives of Liberia's children have been disrupted. Often they were kidnapped and coerced into becoming soldiers. Children participated in and viewed the grisly murders of relatives and friends. As the war intensified, the bombing and destruction of school buildings prevented students from continuing their education.
Attendance in The United Methodist Church gradually declined because members in rebel-controlled areas were not able to travel to attend services. Church leaders and members have been displaced or have become refugees. Many Church leaders remained in Liberia and ministered to the people during the war. We commend Liberian Bishop Arthur Kulah and other Church leaders for remaining in the country during a heightened period of the civil war and actively participating in the process of peace and national reconciliation.
Following the signing of the August 1995 peace accord in Abuja, Nigeria, Liberians continue to struggle towards healing and reconstructing their broken nation, improving their standard of living, and maintaining lasting peace.
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church (¶ 74) state that the Church must commit itself "to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another. We pledge ourselves to seek the meaning of the gospel in all issues that divide people and threaten the growth of world community."
Such conditions call upon The United Methodist Church to pray, sympathize and stand in solidarity with over 70,000 Liberian United Methodists and the Liberian nation as a whole. We commit ourselves to:
-- Repatriate, resettle and provide shelter for refugees, displaced persons, and war victims;
-- Rebuild homes through efforts by Volunteers in Mission and Habitat for Humanity;
-- Assist the transition of soldiers into the civilian sector through counseling, vocational and general education;
-- Engage in reconciliation and healing at a grassroots level between and among various ethnic groups;
-- Train pastors to be agents of reconciliation, peace and healing;
-- Set up counseling and educational programs to help children, women and others traumatized by war;
-- Stabilize the country's economic structure by:
a) calling on the governments and international lending agencies to provide development grants, loans, and to forgive debts;
b) encouraging private investment in the country;
c) encouraging United Nations agencies such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Development Program to generate programs in Liberia; and
d) helping Liberians establish and maintain their own businesses.
United Methodists are urged to visit Liberia and identify with the people, especially through short-term volunteer service. Teachers, doctors, writers, students--all are needed and welcome.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21066-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference