Humanists call for African age of "Enlightenment"

[cbayer]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/religion-africa-humanists-idUSL5E8MEDY220121115


Thu Nov 15, 2012 6:54am EST
* Meeting in Ghana, world's most religious country

* Uphill battle seen against power of preachers, imams

* Superstition, belief in witches, also targeted

By Robert Evans

GENEVA, Nov 15 (Reuters) - African Humanists -- atheists, secularists and freethinkers -- gather next week in Ghana, one of the world's most religious countries, to look at ways to promote an "Enlightenment" they argue is vital to bring their continent into the modern age.

But despite stirrings of dissent over the power of preachers and imams, they recognise they have an uphill battle to convince ordinary people to question faiths -- Christianity and Islam -- brought to Africa by missionaries and conquerors.

Just as difficult, they say, is the fight against traditional African beliefs often supported by new "churches" like sorcery which lead to the killings of children and albinos accused of being witches.

"At a time when the dark and destructive forces of religious fundamentalism and superstition are ravaging the continent, the Ghana conference is a sign of light, hope and renewal," said prominent Nigerian humanist campaigner Leo Igwe.

more at link

[leftlibdem420]

1. I blame Saudis and Americans...

Saudi-backed Islamists and American-backed Christofascists have made a mess of that continent.

[Bradical79]

2. Good luck to them...

I wouldn't even know where to begin, which I guess is the point of that meeting.