The Ministry of Social Welfare on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, distributed 250 bags of 25 kg rice to fifteen churches through the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone.

You would recall that in December last year the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, through the ambassador Wang Qing, handed over this rice to the Minister of Social Welfare as part of their continued relationship.

Speaking at a short handing over ceremony organised at the ministry’s conference room in New England Ville in Freetown, Mrs. Melrose Karminty said that the donated rice was facilitated by the ministry and aims to foster unity and tolerance among religious groups in the country. The Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for their continued support, recalling the recent donation of rice to the Muslim community during Ramadan.

She emphasised strongly the country’s religious tolerance, which she said must be upheld as well as the government’s commitment towards its people.

Related News

“This gesture underscores the government’s commitment to supporting all religious groups, while this donation does not address immediate hunger needs, it signifies our commitment to fostering unity and tolerance among our diverse religious communities.”

The minister said that fifteen churches and inter-religious council were identified, each receiving ten bags of rice. The minister encouraged the beneficiary churches to ensure the most vulnerable members of their congregations benefit from this generous act.

In another development the minister also announced the ministry’s intention to develop a comprehensive policy on religious practice. She said that religious tolerance is one of Sierra Leone’s greatest strengths, admired by many. However, the minister said that in a rapidly changing world, a robust policy framework is crucial to strengthen religious coexistence.

The minister invited religious leaders to contribute their valuable insights to the policy development process. She stressed that the policy will serve as a guiding framework for the ministry, including the issuance of certificates to religious bodies.

 

Responding to the donated rice and the policy development Bishop Issa Bangura from the Church of God of Prophecy Mission expressed gratitude for the donation and highlighted the importance of addressing church registration issues through the upcoming policy framework.

Reverend Gilbert Eric Harding, a senior minister from the West Africa Methodist Church Ebenezer, expressed overwhelming appreciation for this unexpected gesture. He said that this is the first time such a significant donation has been made to the Christian community during this period.

Reverend Harding expressed gratitude to God, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Chinese Government, and His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
The event ended with group photos and the distribution of the bags of rice.