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Liberian president seeks help with schools, finances

Jan. 23, 2006

NOTE: Photographs, audio and two related stories are available at
http://umns.umc.org.

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) - Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf sent
United Methodist Bishop Peter D. Weaver back to the United States with
three requests.

"I ask you to look at three things that might help us; although they are
not strictly United Methodist preoccupations, we think you might be an
instrument in getting them done," she said. The newly inaugurated
president met Jan. 18 with a delegation of United Methodists that
included Weaver, president of the denomination's Council of Bishops.

Her three areas of concern include helping Liberia build more mission
schools, supporting the country's appeal for rebuilding assistance from
the United States, and supporting the country as it seeks settlement of
the nation's debt.

"Our country has had a tradition of mission schools," she explained. In
those schools -many established by the United Methodist Church - rural
children "got an education, learned work ethics, learned to fear God,
and were brought up in a Christian environment."

Because of the last 14 years of civil war, those schools have been
destroyed. Sirleaf said she hoped the church would take a leading role
in re-establishing mission schools and getting other denominations
involved as well.

Sirleaf, the first woman elected a head of state in Africa, is a member
of the First United Methodist Church, Monrovia, and has been supported
by United Methodists in Liberia and abroad.

U.S. President George W. Bush is also a United Methodist and Sirleaf
said she hopes that connection will serve Liberia well as she seeks a
supplemental fund to get the country started toward rebuilding.

"I think President Bush has been immensely kind and supportive not only
by sending Mrs. Bush to my inauguration, but I have had a full
conversation with him and he has been so gracious and kind in talking
about the U.S. supporting our government to do the right thing."

Sirleaf wants to begin to attack some of the social issues children,
youth and women face and to repair the country's infrastructure.

"I think a kind word when you speak to him would help," she said,
smiling.

She said she thinks the United States will also be supportive at the
Group of Eight economic summit on the issue of settling Liberia's debt.

"I know there is not much you can do, but if you speak to President
Bush, if you would just say this is one of our priority areas of
concern."

Weaver said he would write a letter to President and Laura Bush when he
returns to the United States to thank them for supporting Sirleaf by
sending Mrs. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the
inauguration.

"I would be happy to include your requests in my letter to him," he
said.

"We look forward to continuing to partner and being engaged in your
administration," Weaver said.

"As United Methodists, we are very proud of you - not just as a
political leader but as a spiritual faith leader, as a leader of women,
as a leader of those who are often voiceless in this world."

Weaver ended the conversation by asking Sirleaf if she would be open to
speaking at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference.

Laughing, she answered, "Bishop, I wish everyone requested appointments
that well in advance. Of course I would consider the invitation."

Weaver joined in the laughter, saying, "Well, we just wanted to get at
the head of the line."

The delegation met for more than an hour with the president. In addition
to Weaver, other members included Liberian Bishop John Innis and his
wife, Irene; the Rev. Dick and Gwen Oliver, New Mexico; the Rev. Deane
and Ruth Williams, Ohio; the Rev. John S.M. Russell, superintendent of
the Monrovia District; Rudolph J. Merab, lay leader in the Liberia
Annual Conference; Tami Hultman and Reed Kramer, journalists with
allAfrica.com; the Rev. Konah Parker and Joseph Zeogar, Liberian
Conference communicators; and Kathy Gilbert, United Methodist
Communications.

*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in
Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470
or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org