His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio welcomed the leadership of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), along with Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the upcoming centenary celebration of CCSL in April this year.

Minister Karminty conveyed the theme for the centenary celebration: “Celebrating our past. Committing to the Present and inspiring a hopeful future.” She highlighted CCSL as the second-oldest Christian council in Africa, established in 1924, emphasizing their crucial role in peacebuilding efforts after the war in Sierra Leone.

President of CCSL, Rev. Henry Abioseh Alexander Solomon Samuels, expressed gratitude to President Bio and extended greetings in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He officially invited President Bio to serve as the Grand Chief Patron of the centenary celebration and launch it on April 1, 2024. The celebration is set to continue throughout the year, concluding with a grand thanksgiving service on September 22, 2024.

Rev. Henry Samuels revealed plans for a centenary building project, describing it as a monumental testimony to God’s glory for 100 years of service to God and the nation.

President Bio acknowledged the history and significant contributions of CCSL, especially during the war, praising their efforts in maintaining peace. He accepted the invitation, expressing his availability for both the launch in April and the thanksgiving service in September.

President Bio emphasized the importance of recognizing organizations like CCSL, Inter-Religious Council, Women’s Group, and others for their pivotal roles in ensuring peace during challenging times in Sierra Leone.

“We should celebrate CCSL; they played a very important role, making it possible for others to come and intervene,” President Bio acknowledged, highlighting the enduring impact of CCSL on the nation’s history.