Anglican Communion News Service

[ENS] Liberia is emerging uneasily from a decade of civil war that has had a lasting effect on nearly all this West African country's 3 million inhabitants. There were an estimated 150,000 deaths from the conflict between armed factions, but in 1997 a truce allowed refugees from neighbouring countries to return.

"This nation needs healing," said Bishop Edward Neufville of the Episcopal Church of Liberia. "The country is at a virtual standstill."

The church has a long established record of contributing to education in Liberia, running elementary and secondary schools, and Cuttington University College, the only private university in West Africa.

The college was forced to close in 1990, when it had nearly 900 students, and is only now making a slow recovery. A grant from the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief helped the college to assess its position after the war. The situation is serious and no expansion in student numbers will be possible until there are major improvements to the facilities. It is estimated that at least $3 million, maybe $5 million, will be required to repair all the damaged buildings.

There are strong links between the United States and Liberia, which was founded in 1822 to create a homeland for freed American slaves. The first missionary from the Episcopal Church arrived in 1836, and the first bishop was chosen in 1851.

"I'm convinced that members of our church will also share our enthusiasm for the rich possibilities for helping the church in Liberia rebuild," said Sandra Swan, executive director of PBFWR. "The fund is already looking for ways it can co-operated with other agencies, church related and secular, in those efforts."