By Amos Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Sunday, July 26, 2026, joined worshippers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, religious figures, and citizens at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan for Liberia’s 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service.
Held under the theme, “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership,” the service was intended to be a solemn occasion of national reflection, prayer, unity, and thanksgiving. However, beyond the powerful sermons and official messages, the gathering also generated questions about the preparedness and attentiveness of some senior government officials during a ceremony centered on faith, prayer, and the Bible.
Delivering the sermon, Paula White-Cain, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for the White House Faith Office, described Liberia’s 179-year history as evidence of God’s sustaining grace. She noted that the country’s survival through civil wars, political transitions, economic hardship, public health emergencies, and other national challenges demonstrated Liberia’s resilience and continued purpose. Drawing from the biblical account of Nehemiah, White-Cain emphasized that nation-building must go beyond the construction of roads, buildings, and public institutions. According to her, genuine national transformation begins with restoring hope, strengthening unity, rebuilding public confidence, and renewing a shared national identity.
She urged Liberians to move beyond the painful chapters of the past and work collectively to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more united nation. She also stressed the importance of preserving Liberia’s history, warning that a country that forgets its past risks losing its identity, values, and direction. Reflecting on Liberia’s historic status as Africa’s first independent republic, the preacher called on citizens to honor the country’s legacy through patriotism, responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, and national unity, while challenging leaders to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, integrity, accountability, and prayer.
White-Cain further identified Liberia’s people, particularly its young population, as the nation’s greatest asset. While acknowledging the country’s abundant natural resources including fertile land, forests, waterways, and coastlines, she explained that Liberia’s future prosperity would ultimately depend on investment in human capital and the preparation of principled future leaders.
However, as the preacher called on the congregation to turn to various passages of Scripture, an awkward scene reportedly unfolded inside the church, prompting questions about the spiritual preparedness of several senior government officials. Numerous high-ranking figures were reportedly observed without visible printed Bibles during the service.
Among those seen without physical Bibles were Speaker of the House Richard Nagbe Koon, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Darius Dillon, and Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah. The observation also extended to Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah.
Other officials reportedly seen without Bibles included Cabinet Ministers Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Roland Layfette Giddings, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, and Gbeme Horace-Kollie, alongside Cabinet Director Nathaniel T. Kwabo. Heads of autonomous agencies were similarly observed, including Civil Service Agency Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., General Services Agency Director-General Galakpai W. Kortimai, as well as several lawmakers and senior officials. The list notably included Unity Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh, who is himself an ordained pastor, suspended Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman, and numerous members of both houses of the National Legislature.
In contrast, those visibly seen carrying Bibles were largely limited to members of the United Methodist clergy seated on the podium. While some officials may have been utilizing Bible applications on their mobile phones, the frequent sight of senior figures looking down at their screens during the service raised additional questions regarding whether they were following Scripture readings electronically or attending to unrelated administrative matters.
The scene has triggered criticism among observers who argue that a national Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service should reflect more than political attendance and public appearances. For critics, the absence of visible Bibles among so many officials at an event dedicated to seeking divine guidance appeared symbolic of a broader disconnect between public religious appearances and personal spiritual commitment.
Speaking in Buchanan, resident Joseph Moore criticized the conduct of some government officials, accusing them of acting like “eye-service leaders” who merely display superficial loyalty and commitment in the presence of the President who appointed them. Local pastor Joseph Piah also described the situation as disappointing and embarrassing for a nation that routinely seeks God’s favor through national prayers. He questioned whether leaders can sincerely ask for divine intervention while appearing unprepared to actively engage with the Scriptures at the core of the service.
While the criticism remains tempered by the possibility that some officials were accessing digital Bibles on their mobile devices, the incident has nevertheless opened a broader public conversation regarding the true meaning of national religious ceremonies.
Closing her message, Paula White-Cain prayed for peace, reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and continued national progress, expressing confidence that Liberia’s greatest chapter still lies ahead if its people remain united in purpose. While the 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service successfully brought together leaders from across the nation to pray for sustainable development, it ultimately left many observers with a lingering question: when a nation gathers to seek divine guidance, should its leaders come prepared not only to attend, but to actively engage with the faith they publicly invoke?
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