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Special Prayer Service for Taylor


The Inquirer (Monrovia)


NEWS
3 January 2008
Posted to the web 3 January 2008


A special prayer and thanksgiving service for the accused former Liberian
leader Charles Taylor is expected to take place in Monrovia ahead of the
January 7, War Crimes Court trial into his alleged atrocities committed in
neighboring Sierra Leone.

According to the Association for the Legal Defense of Charles Taylor headed by
John T. Richardson, the service to offer thanks and seek continuous strength
from the Almighty God is arranged to take place at the accused home church, the
First Baptist Church, in Congo Town.



"As we prepare for the start of the trial on January 7, 2008, we must give
praise to the Almighty for having survived thus far through a process fraught
with political intrigue in a court renowned for the death of its principal
indictees," Mr. Richardson noted.

The association is therefore calling on the Inter-faith Religious Council of
Liberia, Christians, Muslims and the larger Liberian population of all beliefs
to join in the national prayer service slated for this Sunday, January 6.

The association said all individuals unable to attend the special service are
encouraged to offer their prayers on Mr. Taylor's behalf at their own places
and in their special manner of worship.

Meanwhile Mr. Richardson said as Liberians enter the 2008, Mr. Taylor has
expressed thanks for their continuous support and prayer adding, "not my will
but thin be done."

The head of the association challenged every Liberian to make it their
responsibility to closely monitor every aspect of the trial, noting that it is
the country's former President that is being accused therefore they must act as
the jury of what will be presented as facts during the trial.

Whatever the fate of Mr. Taylor as the trial is scheduled to begin, this is the
first time ever, since his turn over to the special court to be prosecuted,
that a special service has been organized on his behalf by Liberians.


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