28/09/2026
ARCHBISHOP G. JAMES SMITH NAMED UPF AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE, PLEDGES RENEWED COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL RECONCILIATION
BY: S. Winston Blyden, Sr.
Archbishop Bishop G. James Smith, founder of Life and Power Ministries, has been named an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) during a high-profile ceremony held on September 26, 2026.
The ceremony brought together women’s groups, government officials, religious leaders, community representatives, and other dignitaries from across Liberia to promote strengthened cooperation in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and interfaith collaboration.
Ambassador George N. Kingsley, President of the Universal Peace Federation Liberia, presided over the ceremony, formally commissioned the new Ambassadors for Peace, presented certificates, and delivered remarks emphasizing UPF’s commitment to uniting leaders from different sectors of society to address global and national challenges.
Ambassador Kingsley praised the newly appointed ambassadors for their demonstrated commitment to service and urged them to work collaboratively to transform shared values into practical programs that can improve the lives of communities.
The Ambassadors for Peace initiative was launched in 2001 by the late Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon.
The initiative recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the principle of “living for the sake of others,” particularly those who have demonstrated commitment to reconciliation, service, leadership, and the common good.
Archbishop Smith’s appointment recognizes his longstanding commitment to promoting reconciliation, community development, religious cooperation, and interfaith dialogue.
In his new role, Archbishop Smith will join a global network of Ambassadors for Peace working to advance UPF’s mission of promoting peace through dialogue, education, diplomacy, community engagement, and grassroots initiatives.
The ceremony featured keynote addresses from UPF leaders and remarks from several dignitaries who emphasized the importance of cooperation among religious institutions, government, civil society, and the private sector in addressing contemporary conflicts and social divisions.
Other individuals appointed alongside Archbishop Smith included actors and entertainers, former and current government officials, senior clergy from different faith traditions, business leaders, and other community figures.
The appointees were recognized for their service, leadership, commitment to peace, and contributions to their communities.
Speaking after his investiture, Archbishop Smith called for sustained partnership among faith communities, government institutions, and the private sector in advancing peace and development.
“Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, dialogue, and hope,” Archbishop Smith said. “I accept this responsibility with humility and renewed determination to work for the common good.”
He thanked the Universal Peace Federation for the honor and expressed appreciation to the individuals and organizations that have supported his peacebuilding and community development efforts.
Organizers said the newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace are expected to support initiatives including youth education, interfaith forums, community empowerment programs, and projects addressing poverty and social inequality.
The UPF emphasized that bringing together leaders from diverse sectors reflects its belief that sustainable peace requires the active participation of all segments of society.
The ceremony concluded with calls for concrete action, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to translating the principles of peace, unity, dialogue, and service into practical initiatives at both national and community levels.
Archbishop Smith and the other newly appointed Ambassadors for Peace are expected to participate in regional consultations and peacebuilding activities in the coming months.
