By Franckline Benjika W
Apart from dwelling on the wellbeing of the Roman Catholic Church in the country, the opening and closing remarks of the just ended 33rd Plenary Assembly of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, NECC, also touched, certain burning issues of the Cameroonian political scene. In the face of Cameroon's political stalemate, the bishops prescribed a
number of measures that can help to overcome the present situation.
In his opening speech on Wednesday, April 3, the Vice President of NECC, Mgr Samuel Kleda said "facing the situation that our country has just lived, and risks of repeating itself, if we do not look for adequate and durable solutions, only a message of truth, liberty, justice and peace, inspired by the Word of God could offer solutions". He said a partisan of peace must uphold the truth and take into consideration all possible elements when analysing a situation. He said the causes of a problem must be known before a solution is reached.
While addressing the public during the closing ceremony, Mgr Kleda, reminded Cameroonians that the country is presently witnessing one of the most difficult moments in its history. He said the February unrest that caused the death of many Cameroonians and destruction of property "is an alarm". He adroitly condemned violence as a means of expressing dissatisfaction or solving problems. The bishops prescribed the following avenues for a peaceful Cameroon;
" The spirit of dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for one another.
" The state should uphold true democracy because true democracy is a prerequisite to political stability"
" Those who exercise power and on whom the responsibility of the common good falls, should welcome an objective analysis of the political situation that the country is passing through and address the problems of all Cameroonians. These problems are; youth unemployment, price hikes and corruption that is slowing economic development."
" Build a just nation that assures the wellbeing of Cameroonians and provide an opportunity for them to actively contribute to the development of the country."
" The conversion of hearts and mentalities in the sharing of national riches."
" However, our attachment to peace does not stop us from taking a critical look at the evolution of the social situation of our country."
Most of the activities of the plenary session were however consecrated to the well being of the Catholic Church in Cameroon. The vigorous and transparent management of financial and material wealth of the church was underscored. The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea was very bitter that some financial reports sent to him are not transparent and lucid.
Mgr Kleda regretted the fact that the church in Cameroon relies to a large extend on foreign support to survive. It is against this backdrop that he enjoined bishops to exercise rigorous management by building development structures that can lead to the self financing. "The rigorous and transparent management of church wealth is not limited to economic experts…" he said.
Solidarity between dioceses was also underlined. Mgr Kleda proposed that dioceses within the same ecclesiastical province should embark on mutual assistance. Mgr Arrioti encouraged rich dioceses to rescue poor ones.
The situation of Catholic schools, which have been deprived of government subventions, was also examined. Mgr Kleda said presently, the church cannot further deter parents with an increase in school fees in order to solve the salary problems of teachers. He said the church must find a way to solve this problem immediately adding that the situation of catholic schools today reflects what the country as a whole is going through.
In line with pastoral activities, Mgr Ariotti, quoting St. Jerome, reminded the bishops that "ignorance of the scripture is ignorance of Christ". He revealed that the Bible has become a relegated object in many Christian homes and that some do not even have it. He therefore called on the clergy to make the Holy Scriptures readily available to Christians
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