By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, has urged faithful in Cameroon to “stand firm” as they navigate their daily struggles.
The Most Rev. Mullally made the statement Aug. 4 at Saint John’s Anglican Church in Yaounde during her farewell Mass, marking the final day of a five-day pastoral visit to Cameroon that began July 31.
Drawing inspiration from Matthew 14:22-36, the account of Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, she told the congregation, “I encourage you to stand firm in the faith, to know that God sees you, that Jesus sees you, that God is with you both in the wrestling and in the blessing.”
Reflecting on the community’s diversity, the Archbishop acknowledged that while difference often accompanies richness, it can also be perceived as a threat. She said differences and diversity can serve as a route to dialogue and peace rather than a wall of division.
“In the Anglican Communion, we have learned that our differences don’t have to be a barrier to relationships,” she said. “When we acknowledge our differences, when we find the strength to come to the table together, we can learn from one another. We can find a unity in our common desire to follow Jesus Christ, to share his love and his peace in the world.”
She continued, “Jesus calls all people to follow him. He calls fishermen, traders, tax collectors. He calls men and women. He calls young people, children. He calls his people to get into the boat and build up this missionary church. Hallelujah! But Jesus doesn’t promise that the way will always be easy, but he does promise that he will be with us always.”
Archbishop Mullally said Christians can have confidence in Jesus when they turn to the Lord and cry out for help, because Jesus is close at hand and sees them. She said Jesus hears all cries and lifts everyone from the waves.
“So put your faith in Jesus,” she said. “Fix your eyes upon him, for it is him who commands the winds and the waves. Keep your heart alert to his voice and his word of peace. Trust in the mighty name of Jesus and in his authority alone to say, for he is your strength. He sees you.”
She added, “As we follow Jesus, just like the disciples, we are called to get out of the boat in new places, to be missionary people who share the good news of Jesus for the healing of the nations. Our world cries out for healing. Millions of people live in fear.”
Archbishop Mullally praised the Cameroonian church for its efforts in reconciliation, saying, “You are strong because you sit together at the table, building partnerships for peace. You nurture your congregations, seeking to be places of healing and reconciliation. Peace requires genuine and inclusive dialogue. It needs to have everyone around the table, and that requires courage. It requires strength.”
Having spent time in Ghana and Cameroon, the Most Rev. Mullally said she leaves profoundly inspired and full of hope for the church. She said that during her pastoral visit, she has “seen with my own eyes, touched with my hands, and have felt with my whole heart the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” and she gave thanks to God.
In Cameroon, the Most Rev. Mullally said she had been struck by the beauty of the landscape of “Africa in miniature.”
“I was inspired to hear about the mission of the church, supporting agricultural projects in communities on the outskirts of this city and to see the church grow through its ministry,” she said. “The riches of diversity of Cameroon is such a blessing.”
Before arriving in Cameroon, Archbishop Mullally spent time in Ghana, where she spoke with the Anglican community there. During her five days in Cameroon, she visited the Biaka Foundation in Buea before meeting local Anglican clergy in Limbe. She preached at a welcome service of Holy Communion at Bishopscourt in Douala and visited the city’s Anglican cathedral and a local parish.
She also visited Ste Thérèse, Yeug’assi, on the outskirts of Yaounde, paid a courtesy call on Cameroon’s prime minister and the secretary general at the president’s office, and met with clergy of various denominations in the country.
