By Aminata Turay
Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has appealed for calm, understanding, and religious tolerance following a video circulating on social media in which an imam is heard suggesting that Muslims who accept Christmas wishes or food from Christians would go to hell.
The remarks have sparked widespread debate and concern in a country long celebrated for its peaceful interfaith coexistence.
Speaking at a gathering on Saturday at the Tabligh Mosque in Macdonald, the Vice President addressed the issue from a human and societal perspective, reminding religious leaders of their responsibility to preach messages that unite rather than divide.
He stressed that religious teachings, whether drawn from the Quran or the Bible, must also reflect the values of the society in which people lived, noting that Sierra Leone was globally recognised as one of the most religiously tolerant and peaceful nations.
Dr Juldeh Jalloh emphasised that Muslims and Christians in Sierra Leone were not merely neighbours but brothers and sisters who shared daily life, social events, and even family ties.
He spoke warmly of attending one another’s ceremonies, mourning together in times of loss, celebrating together in moments of joy, and offering mutual support across religious lines, bonds he described as central to the country’s national identity.
The Vice President also urged humility among religious leaders, reminding them that no individual holds a monopoly over knowledge or interpretation.
He encouraged consultation, continuous learning, and moderation, especially when addressing sensitive religious issues that could impact social harmony.
According to him, leadership, particularly religious leadership, must exemplify patience, wisdom, and respect.
He concluded by calling on all religious leaders to continue promoting messages of peace and tolerance, stressing that Sierra Leone’s strength lay in its unity as one people.
VP Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed that safeguarding the nation’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony remained a shared responsibility for leaders and citizens alike.
