Sawyer’s statement comes in the wake of continued arguments and mixed
reactions at street corners over the recent decision by delegates at the Gbarnga Constitution Review Conference to transform Liberia into a Christian State.

Sawyer, who is also the former chairman of the constitution review body that produced the revised 1986 organic law, disclosed that the clause “Secular State” inserted in the Constitution by his committee was intended to promote religious pluralism, avoid discrimination and build inclusiveness among Liberians.

Appearing on the ELBC “Bumper Show” Wednesday, Dr. Sawyer advised
Liberians who are aggrieved over the decision to Christianize the nation to remain patient as the constitution review process was still continuing.

He was not, however, clear on the religious status of Liberia prior to amending the 1847 constitution but, noted that the framers of the Constitution were all Christians who enshrined in its preamble “Thank God for Christianity.”

Delegates, who recently attended the CRC in Gbarnga, voted among other things, that Liberia should become a Christian State.

Sawyer explained that decisions reached at the Gbarnga conference were not final, but will be submitted to the office of the President for review and later seek advice and consultations on the issues.

Sawyer was appointed Chairman in 1983 by the late President Samuel Kanyon Doe to oversee the revision of the 1847 Constitution of Liberia.

Meanwhile, the former Liberian interim President has expressed support for
the decision to reduce the tenure of both the presidency and legislature.
LINA