By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Bishops of Cameroon, grouped under the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), have called on Cameroonians to register massively in the electoral registers in good time to be ready for upcoming elections.
The call was made after the just-ended 49th General Assembly of Bishops of Cameroon that took place from April 7 to 13, chaired by His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea.
In a communique issued after the conference, the Bishops also voiced their concerns regarding the country’s political, social, and economic situations, notably the slow implementation of the law on decentralization, insecurity, high cost of living, the dramatic rise of secularism, among others.
This also includes the desecration of sacred places, homosexuality, and the abusive exploitation of natural and mining resources, all of which undermine the development of citizens. The Bishops, through the chair of the NECC, urged public authorities to do everything in their power to give young people, who are losing confidence and hope, a better future.
“At the same time, he stressed the need for the population to make responsible use of social networks in order to promote truth and social cohesion,” His Grace Nkea said.
He also emphasized the work of the General Assembly on Solidarity, encouraged by Pope Francis, for a profound communion and participation of all the faithful in the mission of the church in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council.
During the conference, several appointments were made, including in the General Secretariat where Bishop Paul Nyanga of the Archdiocese of Douala was appointed as the General Secretary.
Rev. Fr. James Ndifon of Kumbo was appointed as Deputy Secretary-General. Abbe Lazare Owono of the Diocese of Douala was appointed General Bursar. Abbe Aurelien Lehoun Mbea of the Diocese of Ngaoundere became the National Secretary of the National Secretariat for Catholic Education while the coordinator of the Episcopal Commission for the doctrine of the faith, sub-commission for Biblical Apostolate.
Other appointments were made at the Episcopal Commission for the Lay Apostolate, Caritas Commission-Cameroon, Episcopal Communication for Communication, Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, as well as in the Episcopal Commission for evangelization, sub-commission for Migrants and Refugees.
During the conference, reports of the 14 Episcopal Commissions were examined, and a number of decisions were taken, with precise directives given to the heads of the various services.
Throughout the meeting sessions, the Bishops held a meeting with His Eminence, Robert Cardinal Sarah, and also welcomed Christophe Droeven, the new Country Representative for Cameroon and Chad for the Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Following tradition, the bishops celebrated Mass in the Basilica of Mary, Queen of Apostles, Mvolye, on the 11th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. The Mass was celebrated by His Grace Jose Avelino Bettencourt. The conference was marked by prayers and Eucharistic celebrations.
20
0
20
20
