Yaoundé, Cameroon – Reverend Dr. Philemon Nfor, Senior Pastor of Patmos Baptist Church, has delivered a compelling rebuttal to the widely held belief that the Church should abstain from criticizing the government under the premise that authorities are divinely appointed. This doctrine, frequently invoked by Cameroonian officials to deflect scrutiny, often references biblical teachings that claim all authority originates from God.
In a recent interview on CRTV with journalist Moki Edwin Kindzeka, Pastor Nfor firmly rejected the notion that the Church should remain silent on matters of governance. Instead, he emphasized the Church’s critical role as the “moral voice” of society, tasked with holding leaders accountable when they deviate from their responsibilities to foster development, punish wrongdoing, and reward integrity.
“God has appointed leaders, yes, but He has also given them an assignment,” Pastor Nfor declared. “Leadership is not a license to act at will; it comes with a divine mandate. Leaders are expected to promote development, punish evil, and reward righteousness. When corruption, bribery, and mismanagement take root, the Church must speak out and demand accountability.”
This debate has intensified amidst growing calls from prominent Roman Catholic bishops for President Paul Biya to step aside as Cameroon approaches its October presidential elections. The 91-year-old leader, in power for over four decades, faces mounting criticism for alleged mismanagement and stagnation under his administration.
Bishop Philippe Alain Mbarga of Yagoua recently voiced his opposition to another Biya candidacy, stating that any alternative would be preferable to the continuation of his regime. Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala echoed this sentiment, labeling another Biya term as unrealistic. In a joint statement on January 11, Catholic bishops across the nation condemned the government for corruption, poor governance, and worsening poverty, attributing these crises to a failure of leadership and an unwillingness to tackle systemic corruption.
Government officials, including the Minister of Communication René Sadi, have pushed back against these criticisms. Sadi, who doubles as the government’s spokesperson, emphasized the need for collaboration between the Church and the state, urging religious leaders to focus on fostering peace and development rather than entering into what he described as a competitive dynamic.
Despite these rebukes, Pastor Nfor remains unwavering in his position. He insists that the Church cannot abdicate its dual responsibility of proclaiming gospel truth and addressing societal moral failings. “When leaders fail to uphold justice and integrity, they betray their divine mandate. The Church must not shy away from calling them out,” he concluded.
The pastor’s bold stance adds to the growing discourse around governance and accountability in Cameroon, reinforcing the role of religious leaders as advocates for justice and ethical leadership in the nation’s political landscape.
