19/01/2025
The Crisis of the Church in Cameroon: A Call for Personal and Institutional Transformation by AZIEH GODWILL
The church in Cameroon, once a beacon of hope and faith, has tragically become, in many instances, a center for manipulation, hypocrisy, and exploitation. It is heartbreaking to see a sacred institution, meant to guide people closer to God and inspire moral values, become a source of societal decay.
Many Cameroonians, especially the weak, confused, and vulnerable, seek refuge in the church. For them, the church is a shelter to hide their struggles rather than a place to cultivate discipline, confidence, and resilience. Parents, often spiritually and culturally misguided themselves, force their children into rigid religious practices instead of equipping them with essential life skills and critical thinking. These children, deprived of opportunities to develop personal discipline and values, often rebel when given freedom, leading to destructive behaviors.
This failure to encourage personal growth is mirrored in the leadership of many churches. Hypocrisy thrives, with so-called "men of God" exploiting their positions for personal gain. The church, which should be a source of light and moral guidance, has instead become a place where manipulation and darkness prevail.
How can a society thrive when its spiritual leaders—those meant to embody morality—are driven by greed, deceit, and ambition? Churches, instead of being centers of worship and community upliftment, have multiplied into businesses on every street corner. Industries that could create jobs and transform lives remain undeveloped, while congregants are drained of their hard-earned money to fund the lavish lifestyles of pastors.
This must change. The church must return to its true purpose: leading people to God, inspiring morality, and uplifting the community. Christians must open their eyes and demand accountability. Blind faith in corrupt institutions only deepens the wounds in our society. At the same time, parents must focus on equipping their children with personal values, discipline, and the ability to navigate life, instead of forcing them into blind religiosity.
If the church continues to fail, society cannot progress. A church that turns lies into jokes and ignores its moral obligations cannot guide its followers. Leaders of churches must meet certain educational and ethical standards, such as obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree, to ensure competence and responsibility.
Let us rise and demand better. It is time to reject the manipulation, hypocrisy, and deceit that plague our places of worship. Together, we can rebuild a church that serves God and the people—a church that inspires light, morality, and hope. Only then can our society truly heal and move forward.
Catholic Church
Full Gospel Mission Cameroon
The Apostolic Church, District, Powerline Assembly, Ikotun Area
Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide
Lakewood Church
Cameroon house of prayers
Presbyterian Church in Cameroon - PCC
Salvation Baptist Church-Obili Yaounde
etc.
