Gabon - Religion
In Gabon, rituals and religion are closely tied to political power and leadership. The Gabonese believe that one cannot be a political leader without also having significant ritual powers. Nearly all elite members of Gabonese society are members of a ritual sect. As a result, showing disrespect for rituals will offend not only lower-class rural and urban Gabonese but also elite business owners and politicians.
Many Gabonese believe occult forces are crucial to ensure electoral success. Ritual murders are widely thought to take place for the purpose of obtaining body parts and blood to create “medicines” that enhance one’s mystical powers. Rumors of child abductions and human sacrifices may be spread leading up to important events.
The US government estimates the total population at 1.7 million (July 2015 estimate). Demographic studies do not track religious affiliation, and estimates from religious leaders and government agencies vary widely. The Episcopal Conference of Gabon estimates approximately 80 percent of the population is Christian. Of the Christian population, approximately two thirds is Roman Catholic and one third Protestant. The High Council of Islamic Affairs estimates approximately 10 percent is Muslim, including many non-citizen residents with origins in West Africa. The remaining 10 percent of the population practices animism exclusively or does not identify with any religious group.
A small number of Muslims live in Gabon. Most are immigrants from West Africa, notably from Senegal and Mali, and a small population of Muslims is from Lebanon. The late President Bongo converted to Islam in 1973 after completing the hajj (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) and officially changing his name to El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba. However, it is generally believed that he converted to gain the favor of leaders in key Muslim countries and facilitate Gabon’s entrance to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), rather than for religious reasons.
Many individuals practice a syncretic faith that combines elements of Christianity with traditional mystical faiths, Voodoo, or animism. Although most Gabonese self-identify as Catholic, religious identity in Gabon varies. Most people practice a mixture of traditional and Christian religions. Beginning in the early colonial years, Christian missionaries and mission schools had a significant presence in Gabon. Many Gabonese found financial and social assistance at Christian missions from the 1880s onward. This time period saw the largest conversion of Gabonese to Christianity. Despite the important role of Christianity, most Gabonese continue to value traditional ritual practices and religious beliefs.
Traditional Gabonese religious customs are animist in nature and encompass a belief in individuals with supernatural powers and healing practices. Many Gabonese also believe in powerful sorcerers who can transform themselves into ferocious animals such as elephants and leopards. These widely held beliefs are found at all levels of society.
Initiation societies are a significant part of Gabonese religious and social lives. Most societies are gender based and generally do not share their ritual secrets with one another. Nationally, most elite Gabonese are members of a ritual society. Locally, most leaders are members of ritual societies, and during society meetings, community issues may be discussed. These societies are present in urban as well as rural areas.
The most well-known ritual society in Gabon is Bwiti, which is popular among members of the Fang ethnic group. Bwiti was originally practiced by non-Fang groups in southern Gabon; however, during the early colonial era it spread to Fang communities. Bwiti is now most closely associated with Fang populations.
Bwiti, a form of ancestor worship and a village-wide celebration of the past, is a combination of traditional Fang spiritual practices and Christian rituals. Individuals ask to be initiated into Bwiti if they believe they are being harmed by mystical forces. Bwiti ceremonies in urban areas take place in and around temples known as mbandja. Bwiti initiation rituals can last several days, beginning mid-week and culminating in a large celebration on Saturday. During a ceremony, initiates spend several nights ingesting iboga, a hallucinogenic drug. Under the influence of this drug, they enter into a trance-like state and speak to ancestors and other mystical spirits. Crowds of people, also in a trance-like state, chant and dance. On Saturday evenings, celebrations often take place at Bwiti temples, even if no one is being initiated.
In urban areas, these celebrations are often loud but are generally contained in the temple or in the immediate area of the temple. Participants may reenact mystical combats during a ceremony, but no acts of violence spread beyond the ceremony. In rural areas, Bwiti celebrations take place outdoors in the forest. They may be loud and involve larger crowds of people, but they are peaceful and important religious ceremonies.
Masonic lodges in Gabon are closely associated with political power. Gabon has two lodges: Dialogue and Rite Equatorial. Lodges are important sources of patronage for members. The late President Bongo was the grand master of the Dialogue Lodge and indirectly controlled the Rite Equatorial Lodge. As a result, he commanded the loyalty of all the Masonic members. Bongo required all male members of his political party to become members of the Dialogue Lodge, strengthening his authority over them. Masonic lodges serve as political links to France. The French introduced lodges to Gabon during the colonial era and accepted Gabonese members as early as the 1920s. Gabonese Masons have connections with French political leaders and have access to French financial resources.
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