Former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor, has broken his silence following the death of his son, Philip Nelson Charles Taylor.
Mr. Taylor, according to a release, delivered a “deeply emotional and spiritual tribute” that has stirred reactions across the country and the diaspora.
On his official Facebook page on Monday, February 23, 2026, Mr. Taylor poured out his grief in a lengthy message titled: “My Tribute,” honoring the life and legacy of his fallen son just days after his burial.
Philip, who was laid to rest on Friday, February 21, 2026, was the only biological child of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, and the second son of Charles Ghankay Taylor.
Philip’s funeral service was held at the Harvest Intercontinental Cathedral Church in Monrovia. It drew family members, clergy, political figures and sympathizers.
In his tribute, Mr. Taylor framed his son’s passing within a deeply theological reflection, opening with thanksgiving to God.
“As we gather here today to celebrate the life of my son, Philip Nelson Charles Taylor, let us begin with thanksgiving and blessing to the Most High God, the King of the Universe, the Righteous Judge, who is true and perfect in all His works,” he wrote.
Mr. Taylor repeatedly invoked divine sovereignty, declaring: “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe. You are the Rock of my life and the Shield of my salvation from generation to generation.”
Acknowledging his inability to attend personally, he explained that Philip’s sister (from other mother), Charen Zally, read the tribute on his behalf.
“Your father cannot be here today to say goodbye to you personally as you journey onward to your eternal home,” he wrote, before adding the simple, but piercing words: “My son, I love you.”
In one of the most striking portions of the message, Mr. Taylor offered full forgiveness to his son.
“We forgive you for any time you may have angered us or sinned against us, whether against our property, our honor, or in any way. We forgive you fully.”
He blended personal grief with spiritual absolution.
He then turned his plea heavenward: “May it be the will of the Lord our God that whatever sins you may have committed before Him, may He, in His great mercy, forgive you, cleanse you, and receive your soul in peace.”
Taylor reflected on the paradox of burying one’s child, calling it “a very, very bitter pill to swallow.”
He admitted that although he is “not easily moved to tears,” he was overcome by deep grief. “It hurts. Yes, it truly hurts. For parents are not meant to bury the fruit of their own loins.”
Despite the pain, Mr. Taylor highlighted faith over despair. “We are not here today to mourn without hope. Philip is not ‘dead,’ but has been born into a new life with Almighty God.”
In a philosophical meditation on life and eternity, Taylor suggested that death is not final. “Death, in its deepest sense, is not the end. He is now journeying to higher planes of existence for ages upon ages,” adding that humanity ultimately dwells “within the infinite mind of Almighty God.”
The tribute also included comforting words to Jewel Howard-Taylor: “We loved Philip deeply, but God loved him more and has called him home. Rest in your faith that it is well.”
He acknowledged the shared burden of parental grief.
To Philip’s children and extended family members: he said: “I assure you that he is safe and protected with the Almighty, the Knower of All Mysteries.”
Mr. Taylor meanwhile, extended gratitude to a wide cross-section of Liberian society, including President Joseph Boakai, former President George Weah, members of government, religious leaders, traditional elders and members of the diplomatic community for their condolences and support.
“We also thank nationals of foreign lands and members of the diplomatic community for their expressions of sympathy and condolences in this time of profound grief.”
The message ended with a solemn farewell, “Rest in peace, Phil. Rise in glory. May flights of angels sing you to your rest.”
Philip’s passing has resonated beyond partisan lines, as many Liberians reflect on the universal pain of parental loss. While Charles Taylor remains a polarizing figure in Liberia’s political history, his tribute reveals a father grappling with sorrow, faith and mortality.
As the Taylor family mourns, the words “Shalom and Amen” closed a chapter of public mourning, yet opened a deeply personal space of remembrance for a son described as blessed, beloved and now, in his father’s words, “in a better place.” Source: smartnewsliberia.com
