The problem of diviners, faith healers and spiritual entrepreneurs
This online event marked World Day Against Witch Hunts, organized by The International Network Against Witchcraft Accusation and Associated Harmful Practices (TINAAWAHP). It was held on Saturday 10th August 2024 (5pm AEST).
About the event
This event involved a panel discussion. Chaired by Professor Miranda Forsyth, the panel’s distinguished speakers Dr Leo Igwe, Dr Sudesh Ghoderao and Mr William Kipongi (see below), it discussed the challenges faced when addressing the role of diviners, faith healers and spiritual entrepreneurs in witchcraft accusations and associated harmful practices. Time was provided for questions and answers after the speakers’ talks.
Speakers:
Dr Leo Igwe
Dr Igwe holds a masters in philosophy and a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of Bayreuth in Germany. He wrote his doctoral thesis on witchcraft accusations in Northern Ghana and directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches and Critical Thinking Social Empowerment Foundation.
Dr Sudesh Ghoderao
Dr Ghoderao is a Professor of Chemistry at undergraduate college in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. He is voluntarily associated with 1) Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS) (Maharashtra state committee for eradication of superstitions and development of scientific temper) as Secretary of national and international coordination 2) Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) as General Secretary and 3) The International Network Against Accusation of Witchcraft and Associated Harmful Practices (TINAAWAHP) as Member of International Advisory Committee.
Mr William Kipongi
William Kipongi is a Research Officer with the Society and Culture Research Program at PNG National Research Institute (PNGNRI). He has done a lot of research with sorcery accusations related violence in Papua New Guinea with Australian National University and Divine Word University in Papua New Guinea. He has graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Religious Studies from the Divine Word University.
The event was chaired by Professor Miranda Forsyth (Australian National University), Co-Director of TINAAWAHP.