Cotton Tree, Margibi County -The Human Rights Department of the Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) of The United Methodist Church (UMC), with support from the Board of Church and Society, has successfully concluded a one-day intensive training on Peace and Reconciliation with members and Clergy of the Kakata Farmington River District Conference.
The day-long training brought together more than 40 United Methodists from various local churches across the district and was held at the Peter Jeru United Methodist Church in Cotton Tree, Lower Margibi County.
Speaking during the training, Bro. Jefferson B. Knight said the initiative forms part of a broader plan by the Board of Church and Society to conduct peace and reconciliation trainings across several districts within the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
According to Bro. Knight, the training aims to strengthen peace-building efforts and encourage courage, understanding, and reconciliation among church members, especially in the midst of misunderstandings that have affected the unity and fabric of the Church.
“Wherever there is human existence, conflict is inevitable,” he noted. “But we must embrace the positive outcomes that come after conflict. The United Methodist Church in Liberia will rise again, shine again, and lead again.” He said.
He further pointed out that disinformation and misinformation, fueled by greed and personal interests, have negatively impacted the image of The United Methodist Church in Liberia but God has restored it.
Bro. Knight recalled the stoning of Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.’s vehicle in Nimba County, attributing such acts to greed, the struggle for power, and money.
He, however, emphasized that despite these challenges, God remains faithful, and the Church remains stable and continues to move forward fulfilling its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Bro Knight disclosed that the next phase of the training is expected to be held in the Gbarnga with the Gbarnga District Conference as part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation across the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
For part the District Superintendent of the Kakata Farmington River District Conference, Rev. Arthur I. Grimes, applauded the Human Rights Department for its foresight in selecting the district for the training.
“Putting peace and reconciliation at the center of discussion is very important and helpful for the development of The United Methodist Church,” Rev. Grimes said. “I am overwhelmed that this training started in our district. It is timely and necessary for reconciliation.”
Participants were taken through two major presentations educating them about Peace and Reconciliation: How to Achieve It, and Promoting Peace and Reconciliation Through Effective Communication.
Also speaking, Mother Ruth Harris, Lay Leader of the Kakata Farmington River District Conference, expressed gratitude to the Human Rights Department for choosing the district and for providing vital education through the training workshop and seminar.
Bro Emmanuel Manyonbeh a participant e, described the training as eye-opening, timely, and empowering, noting that it provided them with practical tools to address conflict and promote unity within their local churches and communities.
Many participants said the sessions helped them better understand the root causes of conflict, the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, and the critical role effective communication plays in sustaining peace and reconciliation within the Church.
Rev. Cecelia Albertine B.Mapleh expressed that the training renewed their commitment to serve as peace ambassadors within the Kakata Farmington River District Conference, pledging to share the knowledge gained with fellow church members.
Rev. Mapleh emphasized that the discussions strengthened their resolve to counter division, encourage dialogue, and uphold the values of love, justice, and unity that define The United Methodist Church in Liberia, especially during challenging times.
