By Jacob Kermue, Bong County Reporter
Contact: 0775187091 / 0888809944 | jacobkermue4@gmail.com
Bong County, June 22, 2025 – “Shame on Honorable Kolleh.” That was the resounding message from outraged members of the National Freedom Pentecostal Church, Kokoyah Road Branch, after rejecting a donation of 50 bags of cement from Bong County District #2 Representative James M. Kolleh.
According to church members, the donation was turned down after what they described as an “insulting” and “disrespectful” remark made by the lawmaker during a recent church service.
“I say shame on Kolleh, the place he used to come for prayer to be Representative — today, he na know our mother number again. Shame on him,” one angry church member declared.
“Kolleh insulted us for cement business that we na beg him for. We never forced him to give us anything,” another member added.
The incident, which has sparked tension between the congregation and the lawmaker, reportedly took place during a church gathering where Rep. Kolleh addressed the congregation but allegedly made derogatory comments aimed at the church’s pastor.
“We refused Representative Kolleh 50 bags cement because he disrespected our pastor and church before giving the thing we didn’t beg for. He came here and promised us; time to give the promise, he come here and insulted us,” a member stated.
Church leaders and congregants are now demanding a public apology and retraction, threatening to cease all engagement with the lawmaker until the matter is resolved.
Assistant Women’s President Patient Dolo described the church as “a sacred place of worship, not a platform for political disputes,” and emphasized the congregation’s unwavering support for their pastor.
“We are not working for men; we are working for God. We expect our leaders to show the same respect,” she said.
Youth president Saye Taylor echoed this call for accountability.
“As a leader, he should not have insulted our pastor. He must come forward and apologize publicly.”
Church leaders say their rejection of the cement was not political, but moral.
“We pledged our support to him during the elections, but his disrespect towards our pastor led to our decision to reject the donation,” Taylor added.
As the controversy continues, the church is considering further action if Representative Kolleh does not respond. As of now, the lawmaker has not issued a public statement or apology.
This situation is reigniting debate about the delicate balance between politics and the pulpit in Liberia — and the need for elected leaders to respect religious institutions and their spiritual leaders.
