Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy emphasizes the significance of elections in building a community of love, especially as Cameroon approaches the presidential election. He highlights the Church’s responsibility to educate voters about their civic duties, urging them to select candidates who prioritize the common good. With the involvement of the clergy in political matters, Mbuy envisions a well-informed electorate capable of fostering democracy and ensuring fair elections.
In a recent sermon, Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a prominent priest in Cameroon, emphasized the importance of electing suitable candidates in achieving one of the Church’s primary objectives: fostering a community of love. His message is particularly timely as the country approaches the presidential election set for October 2023. President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982 and turned 92 this year, is expected to pursue an eighth term despite concerns regarding his health and age.
Father Mbuy noted that the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party candidate could face significant opposition, most notably from Prof. Maurice Kamto, who has been endorsed by a coalition of 30 political parties. Kamto is campaigning on issues concerning the improvement of health and education services and addressing societal inequities. Mbuy perceives the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for Cameroon’s democracy, advocating for an informed electorate.
He stated, “We must participate in politics because politics is one of the highest forms of charity because it seeks the common good and Christians, lay people, must work in politics.” He underscored the Church’s responsibility to educate the public about essential civic values and principles throughout the electoral process. Mbuy referred to the Church’s historical role in fostering democracy, piquing interest in the involvement of the clergy during elections.
Mbuy highlighted the publication of the Church’s social doctrine in 2004 as a critical milestone, showcasing the Church’s commitment to guiding socio-political actions. He noted that similar initiatives have been undertaken globally, such as the bishops of England developing a voter guide and pastoral letters issued by bishops in the Philippines and Sierra Leone, encouraging the electorate to prioritize the common good.
The priest identified four core themes commonly addressed by bishops in electoral letters: educating citizens about their voting responsibility, urging voters to choose candidates aligned with the common good, promoting transparency and fairness in the electoral process, and fostering peace before, during, and after elections. He affirmed that the bishops aim to serve as spiritual leaders and moral guides, advocating for stability and order.
Furthermore, Mbuy expressed the importance of citizens being aware of their voting rights and civic duties. He insisted that the Church has a timely obligation to educate the populace about the implications of their electoral choices. Ultimately, he believes that transparent and fair elections are instrumental in achieving the Church’s goal of nurturing communities of love.
Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy asserts the crucial role of elections in establishing communities of love within society. As Cameroonians face an important presidential election, he advocates for a well-informed electorate equipped with an understanding of their civic duties. Through the Church’s guidance, Father Mbuy hopes to promote ethical politics and encourage active participation in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for fairness, transparency, and the common good.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
