President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Sunday, July 26, 2026, joined worshippers, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, and religious figures, at the First United Methodist Church in Buchanan for the 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Services.
Held under the theme: “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-Led Historical Leadership,” the service served as 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.
While delivering the sermon, Paula White-Cain, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump for the White House Faith Office, described the 179-year history as evidence of God’s sustaining grace.
Madam White-Cain said, the country’s survival through civil wars, political transitions, economic hardship, public health emergencies, and other national challenges demonstrated the resilience, and continued purpose.
Drawing from the biblical account of Prophet Nehemiah, Madam White-Cain said, nation-building must go beyond the construction of roads, buildings, and public institutions.
Madam White-Cain: “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 emphasized 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.
Madam White-Cain challenged leaders to embrace servant leadership grounded in humility, integrity, accountability, and prayer.
She further identified Liberians, particularly its young population, as the nation’s greatest asset.
While acknowledging the abundant natural resources, including fertile land, forests, waterways, and its coastline, Madam White-Cain said, the future prosperity would ultimately depend on investment in human capital, and the preparation of principled future leaders.
She prayed for peace, reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and continued national progress.
She expressed confidence that Liberia’s greatest chapter lies ahead, if its people remain united in purpose, strengthen their national identity, and build a nation anchored in faith, resilience, and shared responsibility.
But as the preacher called on the congregation to turn to various passages of Scriptures, an awkward scene reportedly unfolded inside the church, prompting questions about the spiritual preparedness of some senior government officials.
Several officials were reportedly not visibly carrying printed Bibles during the service.
Joseph Moore criticized the behavior of some government officials.
Moore accused them of being like “eye-service leaders” who merely pretend to demonstrate loyalty and commitment in the presence of their leader, who appointed them.
Local pastor Joseph Piah, also described the situation as disappointing, and embarrassing for a nation that continues to seek God’s favor through national prayers and thanksgiving with reading through the scriptures.
The 179th Independence Day Thanksgiving and Intercessory Services formed part of the Independence Anniversary celebrations.
It brought together government officials, clergy, traditional leaders, development partners, and citizens to pray for the country’s continued peace, stability, unity, and sustainable development.
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