Biography of Archbishop Micheal Francis

Archbishop of Monrovia, Michael Kpakala Francis is one of the foremost human rights advocates in Liberia. Speaking out against injustice and abuse, Archbishop Francis is often the catalyst for change in his country. Founder of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, which conducts programs of civic education, conflict resolution and peace building, the Archbishop emphasizes respect for our fellow human being. ìThis world should never keep silent when evil is being perpetrated around the globe ñ we are members of the human race and Ö have a co-responsibility to see our sisters and brothers everywhere being respected.î

Radio Veritas, a church-run radio station founded by Francis, broadcasts messages promoting human rights and respect for individuals, while calling attention to violations of the same. In 1996 rebel forces set the station ablaze, but it was rebuilt one year later. The station continues to preach justice, peace, reconciliation and rehabilitation.

Appointed Archbishop of Monrovia in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, the Most Reverend Michael Kpakala Francis continually fights for the dignity of his fellow Liberians. Archbishop Francis has constructed more than twenty schools, health centers, churches and rehabilitation centers for the citizens of Liberia.

Archbishop Francis on Liberia and the United States: Liberia's Challenges:

From December 24, 1989 to December 1996, Liberia suffered a devastating civil war. Approximately 150,000 people were killed, 800 were exiled, and the rest of Liberia's population was displaced. As many as 5,000 children under the age of sixteen took up arms. The war destroyed the nation's entire infrastructure--including the education and health systems and the government. Our economy was left in shambles.

In order to end the war, in August 1996 six warlords signed the Abuja Accord that included four essential components: disarmament, demobilization, reconstruction of the army, and free and fair elections. Liberia prematurely held elections in July 1997--before it fully realized the preceding goals of the Accord.
Now we are reaping the mistakes of going straight to elections. The country is still factionalized. A 75% majority elected President Charles Taylor, head of the largest rebel group. Many feared his loss of the presidential election would result in him going back to the bush to fight, similar to the Angolan situation.
The relationship between the U.S. and Liberia is the worst in our 172-year history. At the present time, the US government has banned all Liberian officials, and the Liberian government has done the same to American officials. Sadly, the end of US assistance hurts the common people the most. We actively are trying to convince the Liberian government that it is in the best interest of Liberia to seek an amicable resolution with the United States.
Since the war's end in December 1997, we have tried to address the mountain of human rights, social and political problems that persist; and to educate people about their rights and responsibilities.

Working to Rebuild Liberia:

My work involves four sectors. As Archbishop of Monrovia I run the Archdiocese in Liberia's capital city. I oversee the churches, the centers for training people, and the seminary. We have an education system that serves students from kindergarten to the university level. We have health sciences, technical, agriculture, business and teachers' colleges. We also send students to be trained abroad and bring their newly acquired knowledge back home.

And lastly, I also oversee our human rights center, the National Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church, which has three regional centers. The Commission's work includes monitoring for human rights violations, helping the indigent secure legal representation, and educating prisoners on their rights.

Developing a Human Rights Consciousness:

Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a time when people would be killing each other and destroying our country. After experiencing the bitterness of war, the dehumanization of our people and the destruction of our country, I realized that it was time to address these problems ourselves. When you study moral theology, you study ethics and learn about war, too--the results, motivation, and culpability. Your mind is attuned to respect all the dimensions of the human person. All that I had learned and studied as a psychologist, a moral theologian, a priest and a bishop, strengthened me to recognize that human rights were being violated.
I believe that educating a person to certain ideals is fundamental for him to act. We must educate our younger generations--starting from grade school--about their rights and responsibilities. They must be taught that the human person is sacred, and worthy of certain inalienable rights. When young people are educated in this manner, they are sensitized to human rights and will not tolerate the violation of these rights as adults. Many times people are ignorant of their own basic rights. Education is very important.
In this world, we have to be ready to stand up for something. I am prepared to die with my hands up, saying what I believe and believing what I say rather than refusing to encourage the younger generation to respect themselves, and to be ready to preserve the rights of others.

May also be helpful:

Born February 12, 1936 in Kpakala Town, Bomi County ñ thirty miles from Monrovia

Studied at St. Peterís Major Regional Seminary in Ghana and did graduate studies at the Catholic University and St. Paulís College in Washington, DC (1974). He is a Moral Theologian with specialization in Medical Ethics.

Has held many leadership positions nationally, as well as regionally.

Continues to give lectures and has written 50 pastoral letters on issues such as:

• Corruption in Liberia

• Free, Fair and Democratic Elections

• Reconciliation

• The Krios of a Synod

• Peace

• Wounds and Hopes of Africa: Expressed in the Liberia Experience

• Justice

• The African Church: Itís Future in terms of the African Synod

• Liberia ñ towards Peace and Reconciliation

• That we May be One

• Charity: The Bond of Society