And had it been drawn up a century later, it would have contained provisions acknowledging the role that strong religious beliefs and practice played in the lives of most Americans.

FORBES: Commentary: On Events at Home and Abroad

Missionaries, imams and colonial authorities may have forced Africans to abandon the more open practice of their traditional religions, but the belief systems and, in some areas, the practice, remain as strong as ever.

ECONOMIST: The spirits that move Africa

"There are very strong and influential vested interests in keeping this illegal practice going in Punjab, " he said.

BBC: NEWS | South Asia | Gory tale of Punjab's lost girls