Gabon Elections: Church Promotes Servant Leadership and Unity

Bishop Mathieu Madega of the Gabonese Church advocates for servant leadership in light of recent elections. Following a military coup, a new Constitution was approved in November 2024, featuring a seven-year presidential term. Bishop Madega highlights the peaceful transition and the Church’s role in promoting unity and encouraging political engagement for human development.

The Gabonese Church has expressed its support for servant leadership in light of recent electoral developments. Bishop Mathieu Madega, Bishop of Mouila, welcomed the electoral commission’s announcement, stating that the Church is open to anyone willing to serve the nation. This follows the military coup of 30 August 2023, which led to a new Constitution being approved in a referendum held on 16 November 2024. Among its provisions is a seven-year presidential term, renewable once consecutively.

Bishop Madega, involved in designing the new Constitution, lauded the Transition Committee’s efforts as essential in preserving peace and integrity during this transition phase. He expressed admiration for the peaceful manner in which the 2023 revolution unfolded, noting that there was “without bloodshed, without injuries, and without material or human damage.” Despite widespread support for Brigadier General Oligui Nguema, the Bishop acknowledged that dissenting voices exist, citing concerns about the general’s described authoritarian governance style.

Positioning itself neutrally amid diverse political opinions, the Church emphasizes unity and encourages prayers for a successful electoral process. Bishop Madega reiterated the Church’s role as a guiding entity, urging a spirit of unity, wisdom, and humility. He believes political engagement is essentially charitable and integral to human development and encourages Christians to participate actively in governance, urging capable leaders to commit to serving the people genuinely and selflessly.

In summary, the Gabonese Church, represented by Bishop Mathieu Madega, advocates for servant leadership and social engagement during the electoral transition following the 2023 military coup. The Church remains neutral while supporting unity and peace, emphasizing the importance of political participation as an act of charity and urging empathetic leadership dedicated to the common good.

Original Source: www.vaticannews.va