top of page
Search

Defiled Altar: Morlu Questions Liberia Council of Churches’ Moral Voice

  • Writer: Michael T
    Michael T
  • 4 hours ago
  • 3 min read


L-R, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu and LCC President Bishop Samuel Reeves
L-R, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu and LCC President Bishop Samuel Reeves

Plans by Liberia’s leading church body to honor a senior political figure have drawn a wave of criticism and a call for soul-searching. The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) announced it would bestow the Bishop George D. Brown Hall of Fame Award on House Speaker Richard Koon at a special program scheduled for May 31, 2025, recognizing him as an “Astute Statesman for National Development” and showcasing his “exemplary leadership” and contributions to peace, unity, and governance reforms during a tense period in the House of Representatives[1][5].


However, this move has been fiercely condemned by advocacy group STAND and its chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu Jr., who accuse the LCC of betraying its spiritual mandate and “selling out the altar for power and money.” Morlu described the decision as a “moral collapse” and “a disgrace to the Church’s moral authority,” calling on Liberians to reject what he termed a shameful alliance between political elites and compromised clergy[1][5]. He argued that honoring Koon, whose rise to the speakership was marked by allegations of constitutional violations, political manipulation, and a Capitol Building fire, not only tarnishes the legacy of revered church leaders like Bishop George D. Brown but also signals a dangerous alliance between religious authorities and political elites[1][5].


Morlu warned, “This is not just a lapse in judgment; it is an open alliance between corrupt politicians and compromised clergy. Honoring Speaker Koon under these circumstances is like giving Satan a front-row seat among the saints”[1][5]. He further asserted, “This so-called honor bestowed upon Richard Koon is not merely an error—it is a sacrilege. It insults the Cross, undermines the Church, and emboldens the forces of corruption that have crippled our nation for too long”[1][5].


The controversy comes amid broader concerns about the LCC’s muted response to recent national crises and its perceived drift from its historical role as a non-partisan moral compass and mediator in Liberian society[3][4]. Critics argue that the absence of a strong moral voice from the LCC and other religious bodies has left a vacuum in national discourse, eroding public trust and leaving lawmakers and citizens without ethical guidance[3][5]. Some council members have also questioned whether LCC leaders with government ties can credibly speak out against political wrongdoing[3].


Historically, the LCC has played a pivotal role in peacebuilding and advocacy for justice in Liberia, acting as a mediator during periods of conflict and social upheaval[4]. Its founding mission emphasized non-partisanship, unity, and a commitment to speaking truth to power. Yet, recent developments have raised questions about whether the Council has drifted from these principles, with some suggesting that proximity to political power has compromised its moral authority and prophetic witness[3][5].


Advocacy groups are calling for a return to the Council’s foundational values and for religious leaders to reclaim their position as the nation’s ethical guardians. For many, the current crisis is not merely about a single honor or political figure, but about the soul of Liberia’s religious institutions and their capacity to stand as a bulwark against corruption and injustice in public life[1][3][5].



Get Involved

Do you have additional facts to add to this insight or an opinion you would like to express?


Email Us





Additional Sources


[3] “The Church's Role vs. Political Meddling in Liberia: A Call for ... https://analystliberiaonline.com/the-churchs-role-vs-political-meddling-in-liberia-a-call-for-integrity/

[6] The Liberia Council of Churches will honor Speaker Richard Koon ... https://www.instagram.com/p/DKP9yHBBRC4/

[8] Liberia: LCC Reject Fake Claims On Koon's Speakership https://blackfacts.com/news/article/liberia-lcc-reject-fake-claims-on-koons-speakership

[9] False! Liberia Council of Churches President not suspended - Dubawa https://dubawa.org/false-liberia-council-of-churches-president-not-suspended/

bottom of page