In a statement issued today, 6 January 2024, Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown has refuted claims by the Ministry of Information regarding his stance on the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill.
The Archbishop, who also serves as President of Sierra Leone’s Inter-religious Council, issued a statement on January 6, 2025, addressing the matter.
“I dismiss the statement as false because I have not yet made any public statement on the proposed modifications of the Bill,” Archbishop Charles declared, responding to the Ministry’s assertion that he believed the government had “accommodated religious sensibilities” in the bill’s revisions.
The Archbishop detailed a meeting held on January 2, 2025, involving religious leaders and government officials, where he supported the suggestion for religious leaders to review the proposed modifications.
“The document was sent to me on Friday, 3rd January 2025, and I immediately posted it to all the executive members of the Interreligious Council Sierra Leone and other religious leaders,” he explained. “We are presently studying it and we shall meet soon to prepare our response to the proposed modifications.”
Emphasizing the importance of accurate representation, Archbishop Charles advised stakeholders to disregard the Ministry’s statement.
“It does not represent my position as Chairman of the Catholic Bishops in Sierra Leone or as President of the Interreligious Council Sierra Leone,” he clarified.
The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Bill has been a topic of significant discussion in Sierra Leone, with various religious groups expressing concerns over its provisions. The Archbishop’s recent statement underscores the ongoing deliberations between religious leaders and the government to address these concerns.
Sierra Leone has a history of religious tolerance, with Islam and Christianity being the two main religions in the country. The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, which Archbishop Charles leads, plays a crucial role in promoting peace and tolerance throughout the nation.
As discussions continue, the Archbishop’s call for careful review and collaboration highlights the need for mutual understanding and respect between the government and religious communities in Sierra Leone.
