The Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, on Friday convened an Inter-Religious National Conversation and Communiqué Signing Ceremony at the Miatta Conference Center in Freetown.

The engagement brought together representatives from major religious bodies and national institutions to deliberate on the role of faith in sustaining peace, unity, and stability in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, emphasized the importance of religious harmony, responsible leadership, and peaceful coexistence, describing peace as “priceless” and beyond monetary value. She noted that Sierra Leone continues to be admired for its long-standing tradition of religious tolerance, where Muslims, Christians, and other faith groups coexist—often within the same families—fostering unity and mutual respect.

The Minister disclosed that her ministry is developing a comprehensive policy on religious tolerance and practice, aimed at strengthening interfaith cooperation, preventing the misuse of religion, and providing clear guidance for institutions and communities. She also reaffirmed government’s zero-tolerance stance on hate speech, incitement, and the politicization of religion.

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Karminty called on religious leaders to exercise accountability in guiding their followers and urged stronger collaboration between faith institutions and government to prevent conflict and promote national cohesion.

Representing the Office of National Security, Dr. Mohamed Sannor, who spoke on behalf of National Security Coordinator Abdulai Coker, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. He stressed that religious tolerance remains a critical pillar of national security and praised Sierra Leone’s reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa.

Dr. Sannor urged citizens to preserve the country’s culture of interfaith harmony, noting that peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups is a vital national asset that must be protected.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council, Rev. Jesse Founah, lauded the Ministry for its inclusive and consultative approach. He revealed that a national code of conduct on religious tolerance is being developed and will be shared with religious leaders across the country for input before final adoption.

 

Rev. Founah emphasized that religious leaders remain committed to promoting peace and responsible advocacy, stressing that intolerance will not be accepted and that all teachings must reinforce unity and peaceful coexistence.

The event concluded with the signing of a communiqué, signaling a renewed commitment by both government and religious institutions to strengthen collaboration, safeguard national unity, and promote lasting peace across Sierra Leone.