By: Matalay Kollie
As Liberia gears up for the highly anticipated “Enough is Enough” protest scheduled for July 17, 2025, Bishop Kortu Brown, former President of the Liberia Council of Churches, has issued a compelling sermon urging citizens to seek dialogue rather than protest as a means to address pressing national issues.
Speaking during Sunday worship at the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church, Bishop Brown delivered his firm stance against protests, emphasizing the need for constructive conversation in the face of civic discontent.
“I have never supported protest in Liberia,” Bishop Brown stated, asserting his belief that “there are other ways we can address our national concerns without necessarily going into the streets.”
His comments come amid growing tensions surrounding the planned protest, organized by the Solidarity and Trust for New Day (STAND) and led by Mulbah Morlu, in response to widespread frustration over various socio-economic issues.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of Liberians to protest, the Bishop insisted that such demonstrations should occur in an “orderly and peaceful fashion.”
He underscored the importance of civility in expressing dissent, advocating for approaches that prioritize dialogue and negotiation over street confrontations.
Reflecting on his past involvement in mediating protests, Bishop Brown recalled his efforts during earlier administrations.
Notably, he played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue during protests in 2018 and 2019, where he engaged with organizers to address their concerns with the government. “During the previous regime, I engaged and contended with the protest organizers to engage with the government to address lingering concerns,” he explained.
His dedication to fostering dialogue dates back to 2013 when he urged all involved parties to resolve their issues amicably. In December 2019, he organized discussions between protest organizers from the Council of Patriots and government representatives at the Liberia Council of Churches’ headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia. “For days we tried to reach some conclusions to enable us to address the concerns,” he noted, showcasing his commitment to finding common ground.
During his sermon, Bishop Brown also acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction among Liberians regarding economic hardships and perceived inefficiencies in government.
He pointed to rising unemployment rates and expressed concern over the focus of some government officials on social media, detracting from their responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, he reiterated his belief in the necessity of dialogue to arrive at viable solutions for the nation’s problems.
Bishop Brown’s stance on rejecting protests in favor of dialogue invites a critical examination of how Liberians engage with their governance structure.
As the country approaches a pivotal moment in its civic engagement, his call for peaceful discourse reflects a broader desire for unity and constructive resolution in the face of national challenges.
