Liberian Catholic Bishops Break Ranks with Interfaith Council Over Public Health Bill

Newsroom (09/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) A significant divide has emerged among Liberia’s religious leadership following the Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia’s (CABICOL) decision to distance itself from the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia. The disagreement centers on the council’s endorsement of the New Public Health Bill, which Catholic leaders argue contains provisions permitting what they describe as “justified abortion.”

In a statement dated Sunday, June 7, CABICOL made clear that while it shares common values such as justice, peace, and human dignity with other faith-based organizations, it cannot support the interfaith council’s position backing the bill in its entirety.

“The attention of CABICOL has been drawn to a statement issued by the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia, endorsing and requesting the passage of the New Public Health Bill of Liberia in its entirety,” the bishops said. They added that they “categorically” disagree with that endorsement.

Legislative Background and Renewed Opposition

The New Public Health Bill, debated by Liberia’s Senate in 2023, has sparked ongoing controversy due to clauses that would legalize abortion for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. These provisions have drawn sharp criticism from the Catholic Church, which has consistently opposed any expansion of abortion rights.

CABICOL recalled that it had previously voiced “grave concern and strong opposition” to the bill during its initial debate. At the time, the bishops urged Catholic lawmakers to reject silence and inaction, calling on them to advocate for amendments that would protect what they regard as the sanctity of life.

Addressing both legislators and the then-President George Weah administration, the bishops had specifically demanded the removal of sections of the bill they warned could lead to “the intentional murder of innocent and defenceless lives in Liberia through abortion.”

Moral and Religious Grounds for Rejection

In reiterating their stance, the bishops emphasized that their opposition is rooted in longstanding Catholic doctrine. They pointed specifically to Part X, Chapter 49 of the proposed legislation, which addresses sexual and reproductive health and includes language the Church interprets as allowing abortion under certain conditions.

Drawing on biblical teaching and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, CABICOL reaffirmed its belief in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Referencing the commandment “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13), the bishops argued that every human being possesses inherent dignity as a creation made in the image of God.

“We once more unequivocally reject the concept of justified abortion as contained in the New Health Bill,” the statement declared, underscoring the Church’s unwavering position.

Call to Action for Faithful and Institutions

Beyond its direct criticism of the legislation, CABICOL also issued a broader appeal to Catholic institutions and the general public. The bishops called on healthcare providers affiliated with the Church, as well as “all men and women of goodwill,” to uphold the protection of life at every stage.

“Respect life, from the moment of conception to its natural end,” the bishops urged, framing the debate not only as a legal matter but also as a moral obligation shared across society.

The statement closed with a prayerful appeal, invoking Christ and the Virgin Mary, asking for spiritual guidance and strength amid the ongoing controversy.

Legal Context: Liberia’s Existing Abortion Laws

Under current Liberian law, abortion remains highly restricted. The Penal Code permits the procedure only in specific circumstances: cases of fetal abnormality, rape, incest, or when the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life. Even then, stringent requirements must be met, including legal proof in court for rape or incest cases and written approval from at least two medical doctors for health-related exemptions.

The proposed Public Health Bill represents a potential shift from this restrictive framework, making it a focal point of both political and ethical debate nationwide.

A Growing Debate Within Liberia’s Faith Community

The Catholic Bishops’ decision to publicly dissent from the Inter-Religious Council highlights broader tensions within Liberia’s religious community. While interfaith cooperation has traditionally played a significant role in national reconciliation and social advocacy, the issue of abortion appears to be testing those alliances.

As lawmakers continue to consider the future of the Public Health Bill, the divide among influential religious bodies signals that the debate will remain both deeply contested and highly consequential for Liberia’s legal and moral landscape.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa