Figure 1.-- This photograph was taken in Gabon about 1910. It shows the family of Ogula Mbeye who at the time was a catechist of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Later Mbeye became a pastor. The family clearly dressed up for their portrait. Because of his role of in the congregation, Mbeye dressed his family in accordance to missionary standards. At the time it was common for young Gabonese children to go without clothing in the villages. And here everyone is wearing their best outfits. There was also a matter of satus. Note Mbeye's shoes. These must have been unconfortable in the tropics. They would have been the type of shoes worn by French colonials.

Gabon is a largely Christian country. Something like 75 percen of the population identifies as being Christian. Some estimates are as low as 60 percent. A majority of Gabonese Christians are Catholic as a result of French colonial rule. Gabon is a relatively small country. And unlike many countries most of the country is located close to the coast. Thus the colnial experuence was more intense than the case of much of africa. Christian missionaries have been active in Gabon since the early-19th century. The Church in Gabon still relies on foreign clergy, especially the French Holy Ghost Fathers. There are also, however, Gabonese ckergy as well. Catholic churches are located throughout the country. The Protestant denominations have more regional bases. In recent years there has been a growing evagelical movement with Christian Alliance Church in the southwest. There also is a tiny Evangelical Pentecostal Church (Assembly of God) in the estuary and far northern regions. There is also a syncretise religion called Bwiti, based on a secret society (early-20th century). The Babongo forest people originated the Bwiti religion. It was based on the consumption of the intoxicating hallucinogenic iboga plant. Bwiti played an important role in promoting Fang unity. Some 10 percent of the popultion are Muslim, but many are foreigners. Quite a number of foreigners live in Ganon. About 10 percent of the population practice traditional religious practices. Many Christins and Muslims have incorporated some traditional elements in their religious practices.

Christianity

Gabon is a largely Christian country. Something like 75 percent of the population identifies as being Christian. Some estimates are as low as 60 percent. A majority of Gabonese Christians are Catholic as a result of French colonial rule. Gabon is a relatively small country. And unlike many countries most of the country is located close to the coast. Thus the colnial experuence was more intense than the case of much of africa. Christian missionaries have been active in Gabon since the early-19th century. The Church in Gabon still relies on foreign clergy, especially the French Holy Ghost Fathers. There are also, however, Gabonese ckergy as well. Catholic churches are located throughout the country. The Protestant denominations have more regional bases. In recent years there has been a growing evagelical movement with Christian Alliance Church in the southwest. There also is a tiny Evangelical Pentecostal Church (Assembly of God) in the estuary and far northern regions. A French reader thinks that the image here gives an incorrect impression about Christianity in Gabon. He writes, "This HBC image, about Gabon are not epresentative of the French colonial life overthere. In 1910 , Protestant evangelical mission in Gabon and Congo were practicly nothing. Their means of existance missions were quite very precarious. Several pastors came with their children and got very few financial aid. They lived in povrety. I think their children were not happy. The French catholic mission were encouraged and they were perfectly structured. Plenty schools were created, the French was teached. Libreville town and harbour were modernised. About 1920, Gabon was christianised catholic 85%, and may be only 3-4 percent evangelic. Every colonial settler, before leaving France recieved a notebook with some instructions. They was noted into, all necessery recommendations to live in Africa. By instance : Avery one must keept his pith white colonial helmat to go out against the sun. Barefoot was dangerous in raison the floor. They must to wear suitable garments adapted to the climat. Lover affair with local people were dangerous in raison seriously diseases. By this way, you will never able to see one 1910 image about French or Belgian child without his pith helmet and getting out barefoot. After 1935 the pith helmet was considered anymore necessery in town. To day, more tgan 80 percent of Gabon people speek a good French."

Bwiti

There is also a syncretise religion called Bwiti, based on a secret society (early-20th century). The Babongo forest people originated the Bwiti religion. It was based on the consumption of the intoxicating hallucinogenic iboga plant. Bwiti played an important role in promoting Fang unity.

Islam

Some 10 percent of the popultion are Muslim, but many are foreigners. Quite a number of foreigners live in Ganon. About 10 percent of the population practice traditional religious practices. Many Muslims like Christians have incorporated traditional elements in their religious practices.

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Created: 2:28 PM 3/5/2016
Last updated: 2:29 PM 3/5/2016