ClydeR
07-18-2010, 02:53 PM
Wait til you hear what I learned at church this morning. I thought Sarah Palin solved this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Muthee#Wasilla_Assembly_of_God) African witchcraft problem before she became Alaska's governor. when her church helped drive the witches out of their villages. But it's back. This time it's children who are becoming witches.
Dakar, Senegal, 12 july 2010 - A child is given a slice of mango and is asked to commit murder in return. Another admits to killing 800 people while flying with other witches on a piece of tree bark. The ‘confessions’ are dangerous and highly revealing.
The number of children accused of being ‘witches’ in parts of Africa is rising, and so too are the numbers of children suffering extreme physical or psychological violence as a result.
More... (http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/2009_5473.html)
Belief in witchcraft is widespread in Africa, as in other parts of the world. However, until recently, violent allegations of witchcraft were not levelled against children. Particularly in several Central African countries there are now alarming numbers of killings of adults accused of being ‘sorcerers’ and a growing and recent phenomenon in urban areas of witchcraft accusations against children and adolescents.
Added into an already rich mix of culture and tradition is the rise of Christian preachers, particularly from charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Some of these have reinforced popular beliefs while whipping up emotions and charging families for the exorcism of their children, turning the suffering of children into a lucrative business.
But why does a 16 year old boy risk his life by confessing that he gave human flesh in return for the gift of a mango slice? The report concludes that abandoned children find it hard to find their place in the world. The ‘confessions’ therefore express heartfelt desire and regret as they stand on the margins of a globalised world and wish for a full stomach, respect and dignity.
Dakar, Senegal, 12 july 2010 - A child is given a slice of mango and is asked to commit murder in return. Another admits to killing 800 people while flying with other witches on a piece of tree bark. The ‘confessions’ are dangerous and highly revealing.
The number of children accused of being ‘witches’ in parts of Africa is rising, and so too are the numbers of children suffering extreme physical or psychological violence as a result.
More... (http://www.unicef.org/wcaro/2009_5473.html)
Belief in witchcraft is widespread in Africa, as in other parts of the world. However, until recently, violent allegations of witchcraft were not levelled against children. Particularly in several Central African countries there are now alarming numbers of killings of adults accused of being ‘sorcerers’ and a growing and recent phenomenon in urban areas of witchcraft accusations against children and adolescents.
Added into an already rich mix of culture and tradition is the rise of Christian preachers, particularly from charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Some of these have reinforced popular beliefs while whipping up emotions and charging families for the exorcism of their children, turning the suffering of children into a lucrative business.
But why does a 16 year old boy risk his life by confessing that he gave human flesh in return for the gift of a mango slice? The report concludes that abandoned children find it hard to find their place in the world. The ‘confessions’ therefore express heartfelt desire and regret as they stand on the margins of a globalised world and wish for a full stomach, respect and dignity.