1. What are the most burning issues you are facing regarding the role of the churches in your society?

The most burning issues we are facing regarding the role of the churches in Cameroon include:

a)    Political trends and manipulations which need the voice of the Church. Politicians make promises to their constituencies but hardly fulfill them; so many people are left disillusioned. Because election results are contested, voter apathy has gripped a large part of the population. The multiplication of political parties only helps to confuse citizens, preventing them from having clear political visions. Unfortunately the Churches are not of one voice on these issues.

b)    The economy and Poverty: As you go around the villages and ghettos poverty stares you in the face but in the cities wealth announces itself through magnificent edifices many of which belong to rich individuals. The nation seems to be shared by the extremely wealthy and those living in abject poverty. The church is unhappy with this trend of the widening gap but seems to be helpless in the face of this pathetic situation. Decrying this state of affairs from the pulpit does not seem to have gone beyond the church building.

c)    Education and the Youth: The larger percentage of the population is made of youth. More and more academic institutions are opened each year but more people are asking “Education for what?” What future is there for the steaming youth population when old people are being recycled in state positions? As a result of hopelessness, the crime rate is on the rise. These are among the burning issues of our nation and the church is not exempted from the unfortunate consequences.

d)    Health: We are spiritually and physically sick and the HIV/AIDS pandemic has only compounded the situation. Moral standards do not seem to have a place in public affairs and corruption at all levels seems to thrive with no cure in sight despite sporadic interventions. Some efforts can be heard and seen directed at containing the ravaging affects of an unhealthy society and we have not lost hope.

2. How can the fellowship of member churches support the churches in the situation you are facing?

In the situation we are facing as painted in the picture above, we cannot succeed in isolation. Cooperation with member churches will constitute a united force against hopelessness. In team work we will learn from each other, thus lightening the burden of negative forces and eventually overcoming them. We need each other if we must survive to make a positive difference.

3. In which regard and how can your experience enrich and be of relevance to the fellowship?

Just sharing our story with other listening ears in the fellowship is relieving for us and for others. Knowing that one does not live through certain difficult situations in isolation is consoling. Our experience can challenge and motivate others as sharing leads to seeking solutions together. Sharing helps us discover our strong and weak points, thus serving as the springboard for moving forward into the future with greater hope.