Information Minister Defends National Day Of Prayer

Information Minister Defends National Day Of Prayer

By: Godgift Harris

Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has come to the defense of the recently declared National Day of Prayer of the government.

He warned critics against mocking the nation’s collective effort to seek divine guidance amid ongoing national challenges.

Minister Piah spoke at the Ministry’s regular press briefing on Thursday, July 31, 2025 when he addressed growing criticisms from segments of the public and some media institutions, who have questioned the relevance of the Day of Prayer in the context of governance and development.

According to him, the call for prayer is not a substitute for policy or action, but rather a spiritual complement to the ongoing efforts by the government to improve the country’s economic and social landscape.

“When the Head of State declares a National Day of Prayer, it is not to replace economic reforms or infrastructure development,” Piah said.

“Rather, it is a call for national unity and divine covering amid the many challenges we face.”

He described as unfortunate, the level of public cynicism surrounding the initiative, particularly from those he said wake up every day “drinking from the cup of negativity.”

“If we begin to make fun of prayer and the things of God, we are treading dangerous ground,” the Minister warned, emphasizing that the role of spirituality in national life must not be ridiculed or politicized.

Minister Piah took issue with some individuals and institutions, whom he accused of using the occasion as an opportunity to score political points or undermine national unity.

He noted that the prayer event was not a religious ritual for optics but a genuine national appeal for divine guidance in Liberia’s pursuit of peace, prosperity, and progress.