Child Protection Summit
Abbot said: “I am pleased that the children’s minister, Beverly Hughes, is addressing the problem of churches abusing children for having demonic possessions. Ms. Hughes states the summit next week will be comprised of Home Office Minister, the Met, social services departments and faith and community groups. It is my hope that the summit creates a solution to this issue.”
Abbott continued: “Accusing children of demonic possession is a recent trend in Africa which is being transported to London. This belief in demonic possession is being promoted by a new type of church catering to the needs of the African community. These churches must be held accountable for their teachings. A possible solution to force responsibility on these churches is to call for registration of all religious organisations. Upon registration, leaders of organisations will be told that if a child connected to their congregation is abused because of “demonic possessions” their church will be shut down.”
Abbott added: “We should be reminded of the depressing fact that recent ritualistic child abuse comes five years after another little African girl, Victoria Climbie, died in almost exactly similar circumstances, and three years after a voluminous inquiry into her death, hardly any of its recommendations have been implanted. Children that have been abused because of demonic possessions have usually been privately fostered. The Climbie inquiry urged for the registration of private fostering. The Government has yet to implement. Government Ministers need to revisit the Climbie inquiry and set up a national children’s database.”
Abbott concluded: “Although this issue with churches being accused of demonic possession is significant we must not exaggerate the problem. There have only been a small amount of churches accused of these practices in London and we must not let all Black churches suffer because the acts of few. All children deserve protection which must remain our first concern.”
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