A Nigerian humanist conference was invaded by religious fanatics, and a representative of the Center for Inquiry was attacked:
During a passive Nigerian conference meant to explore ways of combating the abuse, expulsion and murder of children wrongly accused of witchcraft, more than 150 members of the Christian witch-hunter Helen Ukpabio’s Liberty Gospel Church reportedly overpowered the non-combative participants, invading the conference and subjecting attendees to threats, violence and physical attacks.
During the July 29 incident, the mob attacked conference speaker Leo Igwe, the Center for Inquiry’s Nigerian representative and secretary of the Nigerian Humanist Movement. Igwe said disruptive individuals broke his glasses and stole his bag, camera, cell phone and other items in an unsuccessful attempt to halt the discussion. A transcript of Igwe’s talk—copies of which he reported were stolen with his bag—is available upon request.
The invasion was caught on film:
These people are dangerous. They maim and kill children, and they’ll hurt and try to silence people who disagree with them.
What can be done?
What is required so that good people commit “evil”?
The solemn conviction that, because they are good, they couldn’t possibly be doing evil.
This is horrible. It’s like watching the Inquisition in person instead of reading about it in a history book … (or the witch trials, take your pick).
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I suggest keeping that video handy next time some Christian claims that only Muslims are ever violent in the name of religion.
Oh, but Neuro, you KNOW what the response will be:
“But, but Neuroskeptic, this [imbecillic fucktard--take your pick] has clearly misinterpreted the Bible. We’re now under [whichever "tradition" suits the interlocutor] and this has been done away with! Why are you always picking out the one crazy thing some crazy person does and holding it up as what all Christians do? You atheists are sooooo mean!!!”
That always makes me wonder why the “good” Christians aren’t speaking out against the imbecilic fucktards. Other than in response to being called on it.
“What can be done?”
The only civilized thing you can do.
Lock them up. Lock up the Leaders and charge them with conspiracy as well as assault.
There is a petition on the Centre for Inquiry link. Signing this would be a start. The bigger the petition, the more likely the Nigerian authorities will sit up and listen.
This is an issue that repels humanists and religious people alike. Leo Igwe deserves our full support.
How come these groups always have words like liberty in their names? Its like countries that are called the Democratic something.
Are these people supposed to be Gods chosen people?
Boy am I happy that I do not go to heaven!
Lol the result of crusades to save Africa, morons. Awww how nice it would be to live in a world where religion is a mental illness and treated by the universal health care system. Imagine a world with no religion, no heaven, no hell.
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