Council of Churches in Sierra Leone

02/02/2026

The Executive Committee of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) has begun the year with a retreat focused on prayer, reflection, and strategic planning for the ecumenical movement, and on how to serve more effectively in their roles as executive members.

The retreat emphasized the importance of healthy relationships with one another, recognizing that our relationship with God is reflected in how we relate to our fellow human beings.

A key highlight was the call for unity within the Church, drawing from Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20, “that they may be one...,” so that the faith of the world may be strengthened.

Executive members acknowledged the critical role they play in the operations of CCSL and were further motivated to rise to their responsibilities with renewed commitment and purpose.

As CCSL continues its work, we remain committed to collaborating with our partners and building new partnerships, guided by our core values of respect, faith, integrity, and transparency.

While challenges remain, we see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. We look forward to a productive and impactful year ahead.

25/12/2025

11/12/2025

This week, CCSL South East Coordinators and Mentors concluded the year’s Psychosocial Counselling Training on a high note, with participants expressing appreciation for the practical methods taught to better accompany clients through their challenges. The hands-on approach allowed participants to deepen their understanding and apply skills with confidence.

Building on these skills, the training also emphasised the importance of self-care, a vital yet often overlooked responsibility for everyone, especially those supporting others.

In the midst of demanding schedules and emotional workloads, counsellors were encouraged to intentionally make time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves, recognising that no one else can do it for them.

The training concluded with practical insights into the different types of clients counsellors may encounter, helping participants prepare for real-life situations with sensitivity, clarity, and professionalism.

03/12/2025

Council of Churches in Sierra Leone coordinators and mentors in the northern region have successfully wrapped up this year’s training on psychosocial counselling, focusing on the phases of counselling and the different types of clients counselors may encounter.

This training equips our lay counsellors with more understanding of their clients’ needs and the appropriate approaches to use, making the counselling process more effective.

Participants engaged in practical sessions, using real-life scenarios that created a safe space for learning, making mistakes, reflecting, and improving. They also explored useful tools such as the Three Basket Method, which helps clients prioritize their issues and gain clarity.

We are proud of the dedication and growth shown by all our trainees and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these skills in their communities.

26/11/2025

Faith to Action Network, in partnership with the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), successfully started a two-day training on Mobilising Faith and Community Leaders to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

CCSL’s General Secretary, Mrs. Keziah Kargbo warmly welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Council’s strong commitment to promoting gender justice and preventing GBV across communities.

Mr. Yaya Kargbo from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Tonkolili District, provided an insightful overview of GBV in Sierra Leone—highlighting its forms, root causes, and its devastating impact on families and communities.

Rev. Christiana Sutton-Koroma facilitated an engaging session using case studies and group discussions to explore real community experiences.

Faith leaders Rev. Moses Khanu and Sheik Ibrahim led sessions on faith perspectives, addressing misinterpretations of sacred texts and promoting dignity, equality, positive masculinity, and the rejection of harmful social norms.

26/11/2025

Faith Leaders Unite to Launch National Network on Climate Change and Gender Justice

The Inter Religious Council in collaboration with Council of Churches in Sierra Leone with support from Christian Aid launch Sierra Leone Faith Action Network on Climate Change and Gender Justice ( FAN- SL) Tuesday 25th November at the new Brookfields Hotel Freetown.

This initiative brings together a united platform of Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders committed to protecting the people and planet.

Delivering the Keynote address Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji Kella, praised CCSL and IRCSL for their historic role in national crises, from the war to Ebola, COVID-19, and the mudslide. He reminded Faith leaders that climate change and gender injustice are moral and spiritual issues, not just a policy concern.
With Sierra Leone highly vulnerable to climate shocks, he called on faith communities to use their wide reach churches, mosques, schools, and youth groups to influence behaviour and support national climate and gender policies.

CCSL General Secretary Keziah Kargbo highlighted the urgent need for faith leaders to champion climate resilience and gender equality, noting the impact of flooding, coastal erosion, and food insecurity especially on women. She emphasized the moral authority of faith communities and the goal of building a strong, nationwide movement that links religious teachings to environmental stewardship, ethical leadership, and community accountability.

The president of Inter Religious Council, Archbishop Tamba Charles stated climate issues are concerns for religious leaders. He encouraged religious leaders and institutions to support this initiative.

In her statement Deputy Minister of Environment, Mima Y.M. Sobba-Stephens reminded the gathering that “when faith is put into real action, change happens.”

Christian Aid Country Director, Mattia Koi Dimoh, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the initiative, pledging resources, technical expertise, and global experience to strengthen faith-led climate and gender justice efforts. He also highlighted the importance of tackling gender-based violence as part of a holistic response.

With the establishment of FAN-SL, Sierra Leone’s diverse faith communities are stepping forward as advocates for climate resilience, gender equality, and sustainable development

26/11/2025

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), in partnership with Global Ministries USA, continues its outreach on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the communities of Kamasapie and Kawa.

Together with representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the Christian Extension Service, our team engaged community members on women’s rights, highlighting issues of property ownership, consent, and the proper referral pathways when violations occur.

Rev. Brenda and Laverene from Global Ministries encouraged parents and caregivers to follow the appropriate channels when entrusting their children to others. They also reminded participants of the golden rule 'treat others as you would want to be treated' and love your neighbour as yourself.

Community members expressed deep appreciation for the knowledge gained, and the chief of both communities shared gratitude that their people were able to benefit directly.

22/11/2025

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) is honoured to host partners from Global Ministries USA, Brenda Etheridge and Laverne Thorpe, as they embarked on a community engagement and skills-building visit.

Their tour began in Makontaykay, Bombali District, a community whose partnership with CCSL started through one of our member churches of the Huntington Connexion.

The women’s groundnut farming group has grown remarkably expanding their impact through a village savings and loan program, empowering more women, supporting families, and ensuring children’s education.

During the visit, Laverne Thorpe expressed her gratitude, noting how inspiring it was to see the women sustain and expand the initiative so effectively.

From Makontaykay, the team continued to Kabala, where 20 young participants at the Christian Reformed Church Sierra Leone Technical and Vocational Institute received hands-on training in creating beaded fabric earrings and crafting bags from recycled plastic. This creative approach not only equips youth with new income-generating skills but also promotes environmental sustainability through plastic waste recycling.

Participants were excited about learning these new crafts and appreciated the patience, clarity, and dedication shown by Brenda and Laverne. Many shared how these skills will help them generate income through sales and save money.

This training is part of a three-day art workshop that will be replicated in other communities.

13/11/2025

ACT Sierra Leone Concludes Two-Day Strategic Development Workshop

The Action by Churches Together (ACT) Sierra Leone Forum has successfully concluded a two-day workshop focused on the development of its new strategic plan. The event brought together forum members and partners to collectively identify and prioritize key areas that will guide the Forum’s work over the next three years.

The strategic plan outlines three broad thematic areas ; Gender Justice, Climate Justice, and humanitarian action, each encompassing several focus points critical to Sierra Leone’s development and social transformation. These include women’s economic empowerment, prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, representation and leadership, emergency relief, climate resilience, and adaptation, among others.

According to Mattia Demoh, Country Director of Christian Aid Sierra Leone, the strategic planning process comes at a pivotal time. He emphasized that “strategic planning is happening at a moment when the world, as well as Sierra Leone, is facing various gender justice issues,” underscoring the urgency and relevance of the Forum’s renewed direction.

Throughout the two days, participants engaged in critical conversations around specific activities and approaches to effectively implement the strategy.

The new strategy represents a shared vision that will steer the ACT Sierra Leone Forum’s collective efforts in advancing justice, equality, and resilience and a commitment to coordinate action, ensuring that the Forum’s initiatives have a lasting and transformative impact on the lives of people in Sierra Leone.

12/11/2025

The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), in partnership with Christian Aid SierraLeone, has engaged the ACT Sierra Leone Forum in the development of its strategic plan. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the Forum’s coordination, enhance its advocacy capacity, and ensure a unified approach to addressing gender justice, climate change, and other social and developmental challenges across Sierra Leone.

Today’s session focuses on deepening participants’ understanding of ACT Alliance global and regional mandatory policies, the Forum’s membership model, and providing an introductory overview of the context and priorities that will inform the development of the Forum’s strategy.

07/11/2025

Cutting the Ribbon: CCSL Opens New Psychosocial Counselling and Resource Centre

04/11/2025

To the Glory of God!

With hearts full of gratitude, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) joyfully dedicates and officially opens its Psychosocial Counselling and Resource Centre in Magburaka on 4th November 2025, under the theme:
“Restoring Hope, Strengthening Lives.”

This remarkable milestone was made possible through the unwavering support of Bread for the World and the faith and commitment of the CCSL family.

The dedication ceremony was blessed with the presence of government officials, partners from Bread for the World, CCSL member churches, coordinators, survivors, beneficiaries, and friends from all walks of life.

Together, we celebrated the fulfilment of a God-given vision to transform lives, bring healing, and restore hope to individuals and communities across Sierra Leone.