Bishop Advocates For Dispensing Justice with Wisdom & Integrity

St. Cathedral Church, George Street, Freetown, 13 September 2026:

At a special church service held at St. George’s Cathedral Church on George Street, Freetown, the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, His Grace Bishop Dr. James Boye-Caulker, urged Judges and Magistrates to discharge their judicial responsibilities with integrity, wisdom and the fear of God.

The Bishop made the call during a service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Judicial Year.

Addressing the Honourable Chief Justice, Justices of the Superior Courts, Magistrates, Judiciary staff, members of the legal profession and other distinguished guests, including the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, Bishop Boye-Caulker delivered a sermon based on Exodus 18:19–23.

He reminded judicial officers that the administration of justice is not solely about laws, legal texts and procedures, but is ultimately about people and the impact of judicial decisions on their lives.

The Bishop emphasised that the proper administration of justice plays a vital role in maintaining peace, stability and tranquillity within society.

He urged Judges and Magistrates to recognise that behind every case file is a person, a family, a livelihood or a community, whose life may be significantly affected by the outcome of judicial proceedings. He therefore encouraged judicial officers to approach their responsibilities with the fear of God, wisdom, fairness and integrity.

Bishop Boye-Caulker observed that the responsibility of dispensing justice has existed since the earliest communities, where persons entrusted with judicial responsibilities were selected based on their competence, trustworthiness and integrity.

According to him, those entrusted with resolving disputes were expected to exercise wisdom and sound judgment in determining matters fairly and without discrimination. He stressed that these principles remain relevant to the administration of justice today.

The Bishop further reminded judicial officers of the enduring consequences of their decisions, urging them to remain conscious of the impact of every judgment they deliver.

He said judicial officers should remember that “every judgment is a seed planted today,” and that the person who plants that seed may either reap its consequences or see future generations reap its effects.

He therefore called on the Honourable Chief Justice, Judges and other judicial officers to discharge their duties with diligence, impartiality and a strong sense of responsibility, recognising that judicial decisions can have consequences that extend beyond the courtroom and across generations.

At the close of his sermon, Bishop Boye-Caulker acknowledged what he described as “marked improvement” under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda.

He highlighted a number of developments within the Judiciary, including the holding of Court of Appeal sittings in provincial towns and ongoing infrastructural development, particularly the construction and improvement of court facilities in major towns such as Waterloo and York.

The Bishop also commended the Chief Justice for his efforts to ensure the implementation of the Bail Regulations, noting their importance in addressing overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.

In his message of appreciation to the congregation, the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, expressed gratitude to the church administration for granting the Judiciary the opportunity to hold the service at St. George’s Cathedral Church.

The Chief Justice also thanked Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, for honouring his invitation and for her continued advocacy in the fight against early child marriage.

The service was attended by members of the Judiciary and the wider legal fraternity, including the former Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice N. C. Browne-Marke, among other distinguished guests.

In his welcome remarks, the Dean of St. George’s Cathedral, on behalf of the church administration, warmly welcomed the Honourable Chief Justice, Justices, Judges, Magistrates, judicial officers and staff of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone to the special gathering.

He noted that the service demonstrated the importance of partnership, fellowship and a shared commitment to peace, integrity, accountability and service to the people of Sierra Leone.

“We are deeply honoured by your presence and grateful for the opportunity to welcome members of an institution entrusted with the important responsibility of upholding justice, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights in our society,” the Dean said.

He further observed that the gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Church and the Judiciary, while creating space for reflection, encouragement and mutual understanding, as both institutions continue to contribute to the well-being and development of Sierra Leone.

For further information, please contact the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications and Public Affairs Unit, visit www.judiciary.gov.sl, or follow the Judiciary on its official social media platforms.