The Head of the Episcopal Church in Liberia, Bishop James B. Sellee, has raised concern over what he described as the rapid and largely unregulated growth of churches across the country, warning that the absence of oversight could undermine both spiritual integrity and community development.
Speaking with MGTV Liberia LIVE during his pastoral visit to Maryland County Thursday, January 22, 2026, Bishop Sellee said many churches have been established without any formal monitoring system to determine what is being taught or how congregants are being served. While acknowledging that the core mission of any church is to preach the gospel, he questioned the broader impact these institutions are having on the lives of their members and the communities in which they operate.
“The church is an institution that exists for the interest of outsiders,” Bishop Sellee said. “It is meant to be a light that spreads development and hope within communities, are these things happening in our communities? he asked.”
According to the head of the Liberia Episcopal Church, the concern is not about limiting religious expression, but about accountability. He noted that without oversight, it becomes difficult to know how churches are formed, who leads them, and how resources both spiritual and financial are managed. “I appreciate the intention many people have to extend the gospel,” he said. “But there is no monitoring system to check on these churches, whether in terms of finances, leadership, or their contribution to community development.”
Bishop Sellee said the lack of regulation has allowed the emergence of what he described as “pocket churches,” operating independently and without clear structures, raising questions about transparency and responsibility. As a member of the Liberia Council of Churches, the bishop disclosed that discussions are underway to develop policies aimed at monitoring the establishment and daily operations of churches across Liberia. Bishop James B. Sellee said such measures would help ensure that churches remain true to their spiritual mission while also contributing meaningfully to national development.
The comments come as Bishop Sellee continues a nationwide pastoral tour that began in the southeastern region of Liberia, where he has been confirming members who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior, engaging church leaders and congregants on issues of faith, responsibility, and the role of religious institutions in Liberia’s social fabric.
Author: Melvin Jackson
