Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a distinguished Cameroonian priest, emphasized the importance of electing suitable leaders to foster communities of love. As Cameroon approaches its presidential election, he advocates for the Church’s involvement in promoting informed voting and civic responsibility, aiming for free and fair elections essential for democracy’s growth.
In Yaoundé, Cameroon, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a prominent priest and intellectual, asserted that electing suitable candidates is essential to establishing a community of love, a fundamental goal of the Church. His remarks, shared during his weekly sermons on social media, come as Cameroonians prepare for the imminent presidential election set for October.
President Paul Biya, who recently turned 92, is expected to pursue an eighth term despite concerns over his advanced age and deteriorating health. Regardless of his candidacy, candidates from the ruling CPDM party will encounter strong opposition, primarily from Prof. Maurice Kamto, endorsed by a coalition of 30 political entities known as the Political Alliance for Change.
Kamto previously garnered 14 percent of the votes in the contentious 2018 presidential elections and campaigns on extending health and education services while addressing widespread inequalities in society. With the forthcoming election seen as pivotal for Cameroon, Father Mbuy expressed the Church’s vital role in guiding the electorate towards informed decision-making.
“Politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good and Christians must engage in it,” he stated, echoing Pope Francis. He emphasized that the Church needs to educate and enlighten the public regarding human values and moral principles crucial during the electoral process.
Father Mbuy highlighted the Church’s historical contribution to democracy, referencing the 2004 publication of the Church’s social doctrine by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which offers a framework for engagement in social, economic, and political matters.
Drawing parallels with global practices, he noted that churches in other nations have historically released guidance before elections. For instance, the bishops in England utilized this compendium for creating a Christian voter guide ahead of the UK’s 2024 general elections.
He observed that similar initiatives also occurred in the Philippines, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon, where bishops addressed civic duty and moral responsibilities before elections through pastoral letters.
Mbuy identified four recurring themes in bishops’ letters surrounding elections: educating citizens on their voting duties, urging the selection of candidates committed to the common good, ensuring elections’ integrity, and advocating for peace throughout the electoral journey.
He affirmed that bishops typically write from a pastoral perspective, supporting peace rather than chaos, and stressed the public’s right to obtain information about candidates. Furthermore, he affirmed the Church’s responsibility to educate the populace about their civic rights, underscoring its role as a moral guide in promoting fair elections.
In conclusion, Father Mbuy stated that free, transparent elections will ultimately help the Church fulfill its mission of fostering communities embodying love. Through active participation and moral guidance, the Church aims to lead society toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Father Mbuy’s message emphasizes the significant role of the Church in the electoral process, particularly in educating voters and advocating for the common good. His reflections suggest that the Church can guide citizens toward making informed choices during elections, contributing to the fundamental aim of building communities of love. Free and transparent elections are essential in achieving these objectives.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
