By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has issued a strong condemnation following reports of a same-sex marriage ceremony between two women that recently circulated widely on social media.
In its official statement, the Council expressed deep concern and dismay, stressing that such an incident contradicts the spiritual, moral and cultural values of the nation. The IRCSL emphasized that Sierra Leone, founded on strong cultural, religious and moral principles, does not recognize or condone same-sex marriages.
Highlighting the shared position of both Christianity and Islam, the two dominant faiths in the country, the Council reiterated that marriage is upheld as a sacred union exclusively between a man and a woman. It said that the reported ceremony stood in direct opposition to the moral standards and religious teachings that underpin peace and harmony in Sierra Leone.
While noting that the Council promotes tolerance and peaceful coexistence among citizens, the statement underscored that no action should openly disregard the nation’s laws, doctrines and traditions. The IRCSL further revealed that it had mounted an independent investigation into the matter and found no evidence linking any of its recognized Imams to the reported event.
The Council called on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and take appropriate action in line with national laws. It also reminded the public that not all actions attributed to religious leaders reflect the views of the IRCSL membership, urging religious leaders to remain faithful to its guiding principles.
General Secretary of the IRCSL, Rev. Dr. Usman Jesse Fornah, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working closely with Government, Civil Society and communities to safeguard the spiritual and moral integrity of Sierra Leone.
