Episcopal Press and News
Liberia Transfers to West Africa
Episcopal News Service. March 25, 1982 [82076]
NEW YORK (DPS, March 25) -- Anglican life in Liberia entered a new phase with the transfer of the Episcopal Church in Liberia from the structure of the Episcopal Church to that of the Anglican Province of West Africa; a transfer that took place March 18.
The transfer ends what may be the longest-running formal overseas association of the Episcopal Church. The association began in 1836 with missionary activity that led to the dispatch of the first bishop in 1851.
In his letter of transfer to the West African Archbishop, the Most Rev. Ishmael S.M. LeMaire, Presiding Bishop John M. Allin summed up the long history and the anticipated future relationship.
"The Episcopal Church of Liberia has been a constituent member of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America since the missionary activities of this Church organized the Episcopal Church in Liberia in 1836. This period of almost a century and a half has brought rich blessings in mission and witness both to the Episcopal Church in Liberia, and to the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. I transfer this diocese to the Province of West Africa with a deep personal sense of gratitude for the witness and love expressed in the lives of members of the Church in Liberia over many decades. This transfer does not terminate the relationships of this Church with the Diocese of Liberia, but it opens up a new dimension of relationship for which I rejoice. It also provides the Episcopal Church in the United States with a new opportunity to welcome new forms of Partnership in Mission with the Church of the Province of West Africa which is now the household in which our beloved Diocese of Liberia will find its life and mission stirred and enriched."
Liberia's Bishop George M. Browne will be invited to be a collegial member of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops and Liberian deputies will be seated with voice at meetings of the General Convention during a transition period. In addition, the Covenant Plan which governs the transfer calls for some financial support to the Church until its"anticipated self-reliance in 1990.
In writing to Browne, Allin said, "I congratulate you personally in your faithful service as the Bishop of Liberia for the strong, courageous, wise, patient, and devoted leadership which you have continually given to the Diocese of Liberia since the day of your Consecration of the Feast of the Transfiguration in 1970. God has given you the very special task and opportunity of leading your diocese into its new partnership with the Church in West Africa. I rejoice with you in your accomplishments."
Following authorization by the General Convention in 1976, Liberia applied for associate status in the Province. The Convention in 1979 approved a Covenant Plan for final transfer and the Executive Council ratified that plan last November to allow the transfer to take place right on schedule.
Liberia brings nearly 60 organized congregations and about 40 additional missionary stations to the Province as well as a strong tradition in education. This latter is capped with the Church sponsorship of Cuttington University College and an affiliated agricultural training school which have been key factors in the life and leadership of that nation.