On 8th July 2005, three people were gaoled for a total of 24 years for torturing an 8 year old Angolan girl they had accused of being a witch.

During the trial at the Old Bailey, the Court was told that the girl endured being beaten, cut with a knife, and had chilli peppers rubbed in her eyes by her aunt and two other relatives to supposedly 'beat the devil out of her'. It was reported that police found a note in a diary that suggested it had been 'revealed' in a prayer meeting the little girl was possessed.

Following the tragic death of Victoria Climbie, a report was commissioned by the Metropolitan Police that explored people's understanding of cultural and religious beliefs and child abuse. The report, leaked to the media after the trial, was followed by sensationalist stories and accounts of children being beaten and killed after being labelled as witches; of HIV positive people having sex with a child believing this would cure them, and of ritual sacrifices. The police strenuously deny that there is any evidence to support these claims. Project Violet, set up by the police to investigate ritual crimes has investigated 31 cases since 2000, only 5 of which have gone to Court.

At the conclusion of the case, CCPAS Executive Director David Pearson responded to the news of the sentencing by saying 'Abuse is abuse and must never be overlooked or excused on cultural or religious grounds. It is hoped that the sentences will deter anybody else tempted to 'beat the devil' out of a child'.

However, CCPAS are very concerned that some might wish to use this case to claim that abuse of children is rife amongst African church fellowships across London and this tragic but atypical case must not be an excuse to vilify African churches, the vast majority of which resolutely repudiate any association with abusive practices.

Having said this, CCPAS does have serious concerns about some fringe religious groups that are neither members of established Christian denominations or responsible umbrella organisations such as the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA). CCPAS also condemns unreservedly any practice that is inconsistent with Christian teaching, recognising that the biblical accounts of Jesus' encounters with children reflect somebody who was gentle, approachable and welcoming to them. Only in adopting this biblical approach will the church's ministry to children prove fruitful, effective and enriching.

The evidence shows that many African churches, like other churches, take child protection very seriously. Over the last three years there has been a steady increase in the number of such churches contacting CCPAS for advice on child protection policies and attending CCPAS training courses. As an example, in the four weeks leading up to the sentencing at the Old Bailey, 28 African churches booked in to the CCPAS 'Facing the Unthinkable' training seminars that are run on a weekly basis across the UK.

In the view of CCPAS, the greatest need is to help all organisations and places of worship establish proper child protection policies and develop best practice in safeguarding the children they care for. As a result CCPAS is now working closely with the Metropolitan Police's Project Violet to help achieve this and David has been appointed to the project steering group. It goes without saying that allegations of abuse must be investigated and dealt with properly but CCPAS believes that the long-term solution is better education and training across all organisations serving children, including faith groups.

Metropolitan Police Inspector Bob Pull of 'Project Violet' told the press, 'I welcome the work of CCPAS and that of the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance safeguarding children with the church environment. One strand of Project Violet's work involves supporting church leaders to implement child protection policies and procedures. It is the responsibility of all communities to protect children. Agencies such as CCPAS and ourselves are in a position to advise and provide help. There are no cultural or religious excuses for child abuse.'

Over the next year or so, CCPAS will be working with the Metropolitan Police, the DfES (see news), other agencies and churches in order to take these issues forward. It is planned to use radio, television and printed material to help get the message across. CCPAS would welcome contact from any interested readers of Caring magazine.

 

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