We, the participants at the Symposium for Religious Leaders and Medical Personnel on FGM as a Form of Violence, organized by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices/GAMCOTRAP, held in Banjul, The Gambia July 20-23, 1998 state the following:

Men and women are created in the image of God and His love for both is equally limitless. Neither Islam nor Christianity permits the destruction of any part of a healthy human organ for any reason. The teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing be on Him, emphasize the importance of love and mutual respect and partnership between men and women.

Violence and domination are sinful acts. Neither the Holy Quoran nor the Holy Bible condones violence against women. Female genital mutilation is a brutal form of violence whose existence predates both Christianity and Islam. All references made to this practice by the Prophet are meant to discourage and, eventually, to stop the people from performing it. FGM is not recommended in any part of the Bible. Religious principles have been distorted and used, by those with selfish-interest, to mutilate and subjugate women. Women have been victims of ignorance and, consequently, have suffered from certain traditional practices mistaken as religious obligations.

Religious leaders and scholars have a crucial and important responsibility in clarifying misconceptions and, sometimes, confusion purposely created to control women, using religion as a justification.

We, religious leaders and scholars, should spare no efforts to teach the true principles of religion, which are based on love for one another, respect and the attainment of dignity for all human beings.