In a meeting held at the State House today, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio welcomed the leadership of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), accompanied by Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, to discuss the forthcoming centenary celebration of the organization.
The Minister conveyed to the President the theme of this year’s celebration, “Celebrating our past. Committing to the Present and inspiring a hopeful future,” emphasizing the significance of CCSL as the second-oldest Christian council in Africa, established in 1924. She also highlighted the pivotal role played by the organization in peacebuilding efforts post-war in Sierra Leone, underscoring their contributions to stability and reconciliation across the continent.
Rev. Henry Abioseh Alexander Solomon Samuels, President of CCSL, extended warm greetings to President Bio and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to brief him amidst his busy schedule. He extended an invitation to President Bio to serve as the Grand Chief Patron of the centenary celebration and to officiate its launch on April 1, 2024.
Detailing the plans for the celebration, Rev. Samuels disclosed that the festivities would kick off on April 1 and continue throughout the year, culminating in a grand thanksgiving service on September 22, 2024. He also unveiled plans for a centenary building project as a lasting testament to the organization’s century-long dedication to serving God and the nation.
President Bio acknowledged the historical significance of CCSL and commended its longstanding service to the nation. He confirmed his availability and expressed his intention to attend both the launch in April and the thanksgiving service in September. The President also recognized CCSL’s instrumental role in maintaining peace during the country’s turbulent times, underscoring the importance of celebrating organizations like CCSL that have contributed to national stability and unity.
As Sierra Leone prepares to commemorate the centenary of the Council of Churches, the nation eagerly anticipates honoring the organization’s rich legacy of service and commitment to peace and reconciliation.
