Cameroon Priest Advocates for Civic Responsibility and Faith in Elections
Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a notable Cameroonian priest, emphasizes the Church’s role in guiding citizens to participate in upcoming elections, essential for building a community of love. With the presidential election approaching, he underscores the importance of electing candidates who benefit the common good, while reminding the Church’s responsibility to educate the electorate about their rights and the electoral process, fostering civic engagement and moral values.
In Cameroon, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a prominent priest and intellectual, emphasizes the importance of electing the right candidates in contributing to the Church’s mission of fostering a community built on love. As the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential elections in October, Mbuy’s message holds significant relevance. With President Paul Biya, who is 92 years old, likely seeking an eighth term amidst concerns regarding his health, the political landscape is laden with uncertainty. Most notably, opposition candidates, including Prof. Maurice Kamto, endorsed by a coalition of 30 parties, present formidable challenges. Kamto’s platform focuses on improving health and education while addressing social inequities.
Mbuy underscores that the Church has a vital role in guiding voters to make informed choices during this electoral process. He insists, “We must participate in politics because politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good… Christians, lay people, must work in politics.” His remarks echo Pope Francis’s teachings about the Church’s social responsibilities concerning elections. The priest elaborates on the Church’s duty, which is to educate and enlighten citizens regarding their rights and the election process, thereby promoting moral values.
He references the Church’s historical contributions to the advancement of democracy globally, citing significant events such as the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace’s 2004 compendium on social doctrine, endorsed by Pope John Paul II. This compendium serves as a guide for the Church’s engagement in political matters. Mbuy highlights how various bishops’ conferences across the globe, including those in the UK and the Philippines, have utilized such documents to develop voter guides before elections.
Mbuy notes that the themes in bishops’ letters from various countries consistently include educating citizens about their voting rights, encouraging the selection of candidates committed to the common good, and ensuring that elections are free and fair. He stresses that these letters reflect the Church’s role as a spiritual and moral guide, reinforcing the call for peace during electoral processes.
The priest articulates the necessity of informing citizens about the candidates available to them, noting that many do not fully understand their voting rights. He asserts, “The Church has the obligation to educate them on the vital civic and moral duty.” Mbuy concludes with the reminder that the Church must act as a mother and teacher to society, leading it toward goodness, particularly during elections, which should uphold transparency and fairness.
Father Mbuy’s address highlights the intersection of faith and politics, advocating for the Church’s active involvement in guiding the electorate toward making informed choices. His emphasis on the Church’s obligation to educate citizens about their voting rights and responsibilities, coupled with the imperative for free and fair elections, aims to cultivate a society grounded in love and community. As Cameroon approaches a pivotal election period, Mbuy’s message resonates with the values of charity, peace, and democratic participation.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
