Letter to Liberia Council of Churches

Geneva, 13 June 2003

Dear Brother Benjamin Dorme Lartey,

We are deeply disturbed by the recent escalation in fighting between the forces of the government of Liberia and the rebel group, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) that has forced people of Monrovia to move out of the city in search of security. These developments come at a time when much hope is attached to the Liberian Peace Conference that opened on 4 June in Accra, Ghana.

We are delighted that you have the opportunity, on behalf of the churches, to contribute to the search for a just and lasting peace in Liberia. The country has witnessed intermittent wars and civil strife since the early 1980s in which thousands of people have lost their lives and many more have been displaced. It is our hope that the Accra peace initiative will bring an end to the fighting and to the prolonged sufferings of the people, particularly women, children and the elderly.

We praise God for the spirit of reconciliation present at the Liberian Peace Conference and for the healing of the broken bonds of life in Liberia. May the leaders gathered around the table be given the wisdom and the vision to build a new Liberia.

Assuring you of our continued intercessions and of all possible support as you carry on our Lord’s mission of peace and reconciliation in Liberia.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser
General Secretary