Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy argues that electing the right candidates is vital for creating communities of love. With the upcoming October presidential elections in Cameroon featuring several candidates, Mbuy emphasizes the Church’s role in educating voters about their civic duties. He cites historical practices of bishops guiding electoral processes, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections in upholding democratic values.
Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a prominent Cameroonian priest and intellectual, asserts that electing the appropriate candidates is essential for realizing the Church’s mission of fostering a community filled with love. He emphasized this message during his weekly sermons on social media, especially as Cameroonians prepare for the upcoming presidential elections in October. President Paul Biya, who recently turned 92, is expected to pursue an eighth term in office amidst concerns regarding his health and age.
The ruling CPDM party is likely to present Biya or another candidate against various opposition figures, notably Prof. Maurice Kamto, backed by a coalition of 30 political parties known as the Political Alliance for Change. Kamto, who secured 14 percent of the vote in the controversial 2018 election, campaigns for enhanced healthcare and education services while addressing societal inequalities in Cameroon. As the election approaches, Mbuy believes the Church can play a vital role in guiding voters toward informed decisions.
Mbuy stated that Christians must engage in politics, viewing it as a noble endeavor that seeks the common good, quoting Pope Francis about the role of the Church in promoting fair elections. According to him, the Church’s mission includes educating and encouraging people to understand their rights and responsibilities concerning the electoral process, from registration to the declaration of results.
He reflected on the Church’s historical contributions to democracy worldwide, referencing the compendium on social doctrine published by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in 2004, which outlines the Church’s teachings on socio-economic and political matters. Mbuy noted instances of various bishops’ conferences releasing pastoral letters prior to elections in different countries, serving to guide voters in consideration of the common good.
He highlighted four common themes typically found in bishops’ election letters: the civic duty to vote, the selection of candidates who promote the common good, the importance of ensuring transparent electoral processes, and a plea for peace surrounding elections. Mbuy affirmed that bishops write to offer moral guidance, devoid of any interest in chaos or disorder, emphasizing the citizens’ right to know about the candidates available to them.
The Church has an obligation to educate the public about the critical nature of their voting rights and responsibilities. Mbuy suggested that the Church must act as a nurturing and instructive body, leading society towards the pursuit of goodness, particularly in the context of free and transparent elections. Ultimately, he posited that such elections are fundamental in achieving one of the Church’s core aspirations, which is the creation of “communities of love.”
In conclusion, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy asserts the crucial role of elections in fostering a community of love in society. He advocates for the Church’s active involvement in educating voters about their rights and responsibilities. Highlighting historical instances of bishops guiding the electoral process, he underscores the importance of transparent and fair elections in achieving societal good. Ultimately, Mbuy’s message emphasizes the Church’s moral obligation to contribute to the democratic process for the betterment of the community.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
