PHOTO: Three Islamic students being embraced by Rev. Nanning
By Sylvestor Korwor
Former Austrian President Thomas Klestil once said, “The more people come together, the more borders will be opened and people and opinions get together, the more unpronounceable tolerance will be a fundamental part of our social life. Without tolerance there is no religious liberty, no freedom of conscience and no freedom of thought”.
It was probably against this backdrop that three children – all from deep-rooted Muslim background, against all odds, chose to acquire Christian education alongside formal academic lessons. That is deemed a valid addition to their Islamic knowledge.
Abdulai Jalloh, Sanouddy A. Barry and Mariama A. Jalloh enrolled at the enrolled at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church at kindergarten level and remained within the faith based school, walking out of its walls on January 9, 2021 with high school diploma and certificate.
They had earlier completed the school’s required doctrinal studies.
“If it even meant I had to go to church in order to gain knowledge, I would have done that. I even look forward to becoming principal of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran School some day in the future”, Sanouddy Barry said.
Speaking during the commencement, the Senior Pastor of the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. Patrick F. Nanning described the courage and determination as worth emulating, further terming it as “breaking religious barrier”.
Rev. Nanning then used the occasion to commend the entire graduating class and adorned them with special flowers for their remarkable achievements.
Graduating Class
He also urged them to spread the good news of Jesus Christ from the church doctrine they studied in school over the years.
US based Missionary to Liberia Linda Curtz said, the over 60 graduates (including the three Muslim Students) have acquired something that will positivity affect not only Liberia, but the entire world.
According to Madam Curtz, despite the global COVID-19 challenges, the students along with their parents, communities, other institutions and the government stood determined in ensuring that they achieved in order to contribute to national growth and development.