Inter-Religious Council Apologises over Pastor's Remarks
The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone has apologised to the Kpaa Mende Confederacy over remarks made by Pastor Francis A.M. Mambu about the Wonde, Poro, Bondo, and other traditional societies, describing the comments as inappropriate.
The apology was presented on Thursday, November 12, during a stakeholder meeting convened by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, bringing together government officials, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and security representatives to address the concerns raised by the Confederacy.
During the engagement, the Council recognised the Wonde Society as part of Sierra Leone's traditional and cultural heritage and expressed regret over the impact of the pastor's remarks. It also apologised to the Government and people of Sierra Leone over allegations suggesting that the Government encourages or condones cannibalism, disclosing that Pastor Mambu had been counselled on the implications of his comments and the responsibilities associated with religious leadership.
Responding on behalf of the Kpaa Mende Confederacy, National Secretary General Hon. PC Desmond Mahayei Korgobai II acknowledged the apology but stressed the importance of recognising and respecting the Wonde Society as a traditional institution.
Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, welcomed the Council's intervention and called for mutual respect between religious and traditional institutions, cautioning that public statements by influential individuals could have wider consequences for national cohesion and relations between communities.
Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty disclosed that the Government was working to develop a National Religious Tolerance and Practice Policy aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, discouraging hate speech, and strengthening respect among different religious and cultural groups.
Minister of Internal Affairs AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor and National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker also urged religious leaders and other influential individuals to exercise caution when making public statements on sensitive cultural and religious matters, warning that provocative comments could generate misunderstanding and tensions.
The meeting ended with stakeholders committing to continued consultations and dialogue to address the concerns and prevent the matter from escalating into wider religious or cultural tensions.
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