De-demonization of FGM is part of the campaign of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone-CCSL against Female Genital Mutilation-FGM. FGM De-demonization is the belief that FGM is controlled by a belief system rather than demons. De-demonizing FGM therefore involves studying and explaining the nature and impacts of FGM. FGM De-demonization believes that demons will bow where truth prevails.
In Sierra Leone, FGM is demonized by many religious leaders. Demonization of FG M is the belief that FGM is controlled by a demon, an unclean spirit. FGM is performed by an exclusive female social institution known as the Bondo secret society. The Bondo secret society is believed to be controlled by a demon. The spiritual head of the Bondo is the sowe, a young or elderly woman. Among other things, she performs FGM on girls. As head, she is believed to be possessed by the demon of the Bondo. Every member of the Bondo is subjected to the powers of the demon by taking an oath of submission at the end of the initiation period. The demon is believed to have the power to hurt every member of the society who exposes the secret of the Bondo. For men and religious leaders, discussing the FGM in private and public is unthinkable.
For too long, demonization of FGM muted the Church on issues surrounding the practice. The Church considered FGM as a social norm. It was not a subject of study and discussion. Pastors who were bold enough to mention FGM in their sermons had the risk of being ostracized by their congregations.
However, the international outcry of FGM is yielding dividend. The myth of silence has been broken. The Church is now inspired to join the FGM campaign. Unfortunately, FGM remained demonized by many Christians. Those who practice and support FGM are considered witches and wizards unfit for kingdom inheritance. Many religious leaders hold the view that a successful approach to ending FGM is ‘spiritual warfare’ that is, binding and casting demons associated with FGM; engaging in praying for “sowes” (cutters) to drop their knives and follow Jesus. They believe that prayer alone can’t bring social and behaviour change on FGM.
For too long, demonization of FGM has hampered the religious effort at FGM reduction. It created fear among religious leaders to speak against FGM. The CCSL campaign is writing a story in the minds of religious leaders. A story that believes that FGM is controlled by a belief system and not demons. A story that combines truth and prayer for conscious change. A story that casts and binds demons using truth.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Receives Council of Churches in Sierra Leone on Centenary Celebrations, Recognises Their Role in Peace-building State House, Freetown, Thursday
4A King Harman Road, Brookfield’s, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
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