By Victoria Ballah
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of St. Paul’s Major Seminary, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on the theme: “The Church and Governance: Exploring the Church’s Role in Fostering National Unity and Reconciliation”.
In his speech, the Minister explored the indispensable role of the church in national development, emphasizing its contributions across various facets of society, including education, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and mediation.
Minister Chernor Bah acknowledged the church’s profound influence in shaping Sierra Leone’s societal and moral fabric. He highlighted the church’s extensive work in promoting literacy and critical thinking, equipping generations with the knowledge necessary for national progress.
Beyond education, the Minister commended the church’s role in conflict prevention and mitigation. He noted that faith-based organizations had historically played a crucial role in reconciliation efforts, particularly during and after Sierra Leone’s civil war.
While the church has been a force for good in national development, Minister Chernor Bah emphasized the necessity of maintaining a clear distinction between religious doctrine and state governance. He acknowledged that while faith and morality were vital in shaping a just society, governance must be grounded in principles that serve all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation.
“There must be a line between the church and state governance, but it must be a soft one that allows for interaction and dialogue,” he noted. “The laws of the state should not be entirely based on religious doctrines, but the church has a significant role to play in counseling, guiding, chastising, and informing those who make the laws,” he stated.
He admonished that, “we should not allow our religious ideologies alone to dictate policies, as this could lead to exclusion and discrimination in a pluralistic society”.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Minister’s speech was his call for a “soft line” in navigating the relationship between the church and governance, particularly on critical issues such as “the Safe Motherhood Bill”. He implored the clergy and those present to exercise prudence in addressing such matters, striking a balance between religious beliefs and state policies that affect the broader population.
While acknowledging the church’s moral authority, he urged that decisions on sensitive national issues should be informed by inclusive discourse “that considers both religious values and the diverse needs of the people which are informed by data and science”. He emphasized that in a democratic society, faith leaders must engage constructively with policymakers, offering moral guidance without overstepping into the legislative domain.
In his closing remarks, Minister Chernor Bah reaffirmed the invaluable partnership between the church and the state in fostering national unity and reconciliation. He underscored that while a distinct separation must exist between governance and religious institutions, collaboration remains crucial in shaping a just, peaceful, and progressive Sierra Leone.