How easy things can be
Religious tolerance in (far western) Africa
May 26th 2014, 8:02 by T.T. | FREETOWN
THE minibuses that ferry Sierra Leoneans around their capital, Freetown, bear a variety of religious slogans. "Trust in Allah," reads one, while others evoke the power of the Christian god. But one stands out. Somewhere, plying the potholed streets, is a bus bearing the words "God loves Allah".
Sierra Leone takes religious tolerance seriously. Not only are relations cordial between the two main religious groups in the west African country, but it is not unusual here to be both Christian and Muslim.
Hassan Kargbo is one of thousands of Sierra Leoneans who have become known as "ChrisMus". He identifies himself as a Muslim, but also believes in Christianity. Before he starts work on Sundays, he goes to church. He visits a mosque every day. "I see it as the same religion," he says, sporting a Jesus bracelet. "All of us say it's the same god that we're worshipping."
Kelfala Conteh is a caretaker at Freetown's oldest mosque. "Of course they [Christians] come here," he says. "We have both Christians and Muslims praying side by side. No fighting. Jesus was the messenger to tell the people to worship the one god. I respect him after Mohammed. I believe in the bible and the quran."
http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2014/05/religious-tolerance-far-western-africa
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