A major international symposium has taken place to respond to the issues surrounding the abuse of children in a number of “rogue churches” in the African community, 22nd May 2006, at Methodist Central Hall, London.
The aim of the symposium, entitled ‘Christianity or the Occult? Emerging Trends in the African Diaspora’ was to “create an environment which will foster better understanding of the African-derived church, as well as emerging spiritual trends in Britain,” said Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of Jesus House in Barnet, North London.Irukwu added, “We feel this is much needed in light of recent shocking publicity about the harming of children in African ‘churches’, which threaten to stereotype us all.”
Across Britain, the African churches are the fastest growing sector of Christianity, but as these churches have experienced huge growth, it has been reported that other entirely separate beliefs are present in the UK, which “masquerade as Christianity and prey on the most alienated and isolated members of society,” tells the BBC.
The BBC also explains how many parts of London with large African populations are regularly leafleted by traditional “spiritual healers”, who proclaim they are doctors and professors, and profess themselves as being able to defeat black magic.
These “healers” divert away from core Christian teachings, and some even present themselves as bona fide Christian leaders in order to gain the respect and trust of vulnerable members of the community.
Speaking at the symposium was Angus Stickler, an investigative reporter from the BBC, who has been at the forefront of the coverage of the issue, and is best known for his award winning investigations into the north Wales child abuse scandals and for exposing alleged cover-ups within the Catholic Church.
Stickler told delegates, “It is a highly charged and sensitive issue, and only through dialogue can we gain insight into the scale of the problem.”He told how “more than 20” separate cases had been found of child abuse due to accusations of possession and witchcraft.
“They fervently believe the children to be possessed,” he said, and more so, their beliefs are confirmed by so-called religious leaders and pastors.
However, he added: “We do not know the scale of the problem.”
Dennis Tongoi, the African Region Director of Church Mission Society, spoke out against those committing acts of abuse against children in the name of God.
