The Perspective of the Church on the Status and Functions of Female Circumcision among the Naandi

Abstract

Female circumcision is an initiation ranging from a minor operation of the clitoris (clitoridectomy) to major forms of initiation such as the pharaonic circumcision (infibulation). Female circumcision denotes all forms of initiation in general disregarding whether the operation is minor or major. Today female circumcision faces great challenges to attract global attention. The Christian church was among the first to challenge its worth among the Nandi community on which this study is based. The stigma that the rite faces is in itself strong enough to attract Global attention. In Africa, studies indicate that female circumcision is in itself a rite integral to African Religion. Renowned and upcoming works on African Religion such as those by Mbiti J. S., Adegbola A. A. E., Awolalu J. O., Dopamu P. A., Idowu E. B., and Mugambi J. N. K among others, suggest that female circumcision is a component of African rites of passage among communities that practice both male and female initiation. This rite of passage falls under initiation among them childbirth and accompanying rituals, marriage ceremonies and rituals performed at death. Female circumcision was practised by the Nandi before the coming of Christianity. Upon the coming of Christian missionaries, female circumcision was pointed out as a cultural practice that was ‘barbaric’ and ‘evil’. Christian converts were discouraged from participating in female initiation rites. On the other hand, the people who refused to undergo the rite were considered outcasts by the community. Those who escaped had to seek refuge in mission stations. The church today has the same view towards female circumcision. However, despite continued condemnation, the practice persists, raising quite critical questions: Does persistence of female circumcision indicate that the practice plays an important function? What is this function? Has Christianity interfered with this function? Why then has the church not succeeded in stopping the practice? This study therefore aims at investigating the status and functions of female circumcision among the Naandi and the perspective of the church towards the practice.