Views from our page: Why establishing laws for religious holidays will be problematic!

Liberia, with its compassionate citizens, must thoughtfully address concerns regarding our national identity. We have made notable strides in safeguarding our religious freedom, a crucial element of our diverse community. However, caution is necessary, as endorsing particular religious practices may lead to political implications that can foster deep divisions. Our forebearers prudently established Liberia as a secular nation in the constitution to prevent such conflicts. To genuinely honor the separation of mosque, church, and state, and to maintain the core principle of religious freedom, Liberia should avoid enacting laws for specific religious holidays. Such actions could be seen as favoring one faith over others, potentially infringing on \the rights of those who do not practice that religion.

The Constitution affirms that everyone is entitled to their freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. By ensuring that we do not impose religious preferences, we can protect this vital freedom and foster unity among all Liberians. Let us embrace our diversity and continue building a nation where every belief is respected and valued.

Why could such legislation could be problematic:

1. Separation of Church, Mosque, and State: The Constitution of Liberia, like those in many democracies, highlights the importance of distinctly separating religious and government roles. Recognizing certain religious holidays as national holidays may imply government support for specific faiths, which could jeopardize the rights of all citizens. The notion of “Separation of Mosque, Church, and State” emphasizes that religious organizations must function autonomously from government interference, just as the government should not interfere in personal religious beliefs and practices. Maintaining this principle is crucial for fostering true religious freedom; it shields citizens from the dominance of any single religion and preserves political integrity against the influence of religious groups.
2. Freedom of Religion: The Constitution safeguards the right to practice any religion or none at all. Enforcing religious holidays could impose a specific belief on individuals, potentially infringing on their freedom of conscience. It’s crucial to acknowledge that religious freedom is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals the liberty to think, believe, and act according to their conscience in matters of faith. This includes the right to choose or change one’s religion and to practice it in both private and public spaces.
3. The potential for discrimination: Highlighting specific religious holidays may unintentionally disadvantage or exclude those who do not observe them, potentially fostering discrimination or social division. This is especially significant in Liberia, where religious practices encompass more than just Islam and Christianity.

What Liberia MUST consider instead of legislating religious holidays?

1. Emphasize Common Public Holidays: Liberia should prioritize creating public holidays that are culturally significant and widely accepted by all its residents, avoiding specific religious holidays that may cause division. The country ought to refrain from legislating religious holidays and instead focus on inclusive public holidays to alleviate religious tensions. By establishing secular holidays that apply to everyone, Liberia can promote unity and respect for diverse religions and belief systems across the nation.
2. Promoting Religious Tolerance: Instead of enforcing specific religious holidays, Liberia could focus on promoting religious tolerance and understanding through educational initiatives and interfaith discussions. Emphasizing the commonalities among religions may foster a sense of unity and acceptance both within and across cultures.

In summary, this conversation is not about valuing the body of Christ or the Muslim community; rather, it focuses on a political strategy that seeks personal gain at the expense of our nation. There should not be any religious holidays mandated for Christians or Muslims. If you are a Christian who believes that celebrating Christmas or Easter is essential, that’s entirely valid, and the same applies to Muslims. If they choose to celebrate Ramadan or Abraham Day, that is perfectly appropriate; no one should be legally required to observe or follow the beliefs of another faith in the name of a national holiday. Religious national holidays add no value to either Christianity or Islam. The Gospel of John 4:20 states, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen”. This text highlights that our love for God is rooted in our love for each other. Our affection for each other illustrates our devotion to God. Both Muslims and Christians need to prioritize love among themselves if we genuinely love God; our dedication to mutual love, rather than our religious celebrations, will reflect our love for God, which is crucial for our peaceful coexistence as a nation.

Written by: Morris Dunoh, Sr.