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Justice is Not Revenge – It is Redemption through Truth-telling
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Monrovia, Liberia, a distinguished ecumenical delegation of national church leaders convened under the auspices of the Board of Directors of the Faith and Justice Network (FJN); met with officials of the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia in a historic engagement aimed at strengthening national efforts for truth-telling, accountability, justice, and reconciliation.
The Faith and Justice Network, through the kind invitation of its Board Chairman, Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., facilitated this momentous encounter as an act of public witness, national solidarity, and spiritual responsibility. Representing the voices of the Church and the conscience of the people, church leaders declared that the pursuit of justice in Liberia is not an act of vengeance—but a pathway to redemption, healing, and peace.
Justice is not revenge—it is redemption through truth-telling,” emphasized Bishop Quire. “The Church in Liberia stands with the Court not only in words, but in purpose, praying that its foundation will be firm, its work just, and its legacy enduring.
During the engagement, church leaders acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted upon Liberia during years of war, systemic corruption, and widespread human rights violations. They affirmed that justice is a spiritual and moral imperative, rooted in the biblical call to “let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).
In his introductory statement, the Executive Director the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Babu acknowledged the critical role of religious leaders in Liberia. He affirmed that the church in particular has always stood as a moral compass and a sanctuary for truth, reconciliation, and healing. “We count on your continued prayers, advocacy, and public engagement to promote a culture of justice and accountability in Liberia. Together, we can ensure that victims of war and economic exploitation receive justice, and that future generations inherit a country founded on the rule of law” says Cllr. Babu.
In response to the Executive Director’s statement, FJN Board Chairman said “that the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia represents a long-awaited answer to the cries of survivors, the hopes of victims’ families, and the demands of an awakened generation calling for justice, rule of law, and an end to impunity”.
The assembled church leaders recommitted the Church’s role as a moral compass, healing agent, and partner in the national reconciliation process. They pledged to:
• Mobilize communities for truth-telling and restorative justice;
• Provide pastoral care and trauma healing support to victims and affected families;
• Conduct civic and theological education on the importance of justice, peace, and the dignity of human life;
• And advocate for the protection and independence of the Court’s mandate.
A Call to the Nation
Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, a board member of the Faith and Justice Network “calls on all Liberians—faith leaders, civil society, political actors, and international partners—to support the work of the Court with courage, humility, and national unity”. Archbishop Jubwe declares that “this is a pivotal moment in Liberia’s history”. And called on all Liberians and people of goodwill to choose to break the cycle of silence, impunity, and fear, and walk boldly toward a future built on truth and accountability.
On his part, the Rt. Rev. Dr. James B. Sellee, Bishop of the Episcopal of Liberia, posits that “justice is not a threat to peace—it is its foundation”. He wants to see a country where truth is honored and wrong is confronted by the War and Economic Crimes of Liberia, as the only way that reconciliation becomes possible. According to Bishop Sellee, in this way justice prevails, and the nation can finally breathe freely and dream again.
As church leaders and custodians of moral authority, we declare: “We will not be silent. We will not be neutral. We will walk with the Court in its journey to restore dignity, protect the vulnerable, and write a new chapter of justice for Liberia”, says Rev. Dr. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, Jr., Regional Executive Director, FJN.
This call is clear, let the nation and the world know that justice is not revenge. It is redemption through truth-telling. And in this truth, Liberia shall rise.
