Pastors at the ELCC National Retreat. Photo: EELC/communication
Responsibility to guide young people towards non-violence
(LWI) - Bishops and Pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon (ELCC) gathered in Banyo, Adamawa region, between August 27 and 31, to discuss climate change and its impact on all forms of life and to call for peace in the run-up to the presidential elections.
Climate change in Cameroon, marked by rising temperatures and erratic rainfall, has resulted in frequent and severe droughts, floods, and food insecurity, while harming agriculture-dependent communities. It has also deepened poverty, inequality, displacement, and competition for resources, which have contributed to fueling tensions and pushing vulnerable groups toward armed conflict.
Having experienced this, church leaders in Cameroon were keen to discuss the connection between climate change and peace at the 2025 National Pastoral Retreat in Adamawa, inspired by Romans 14,19: “Therefore, let us pursue the things that make for peace and mutual edification." (Romans 14:19).
Two key issues stood out this year: climate justice and the role of the ELCC in preserving peace before, during, and after the presidential election scheduled for October 2025.
Protect the environment as a gift from God
To address the issue of climate change that intensifies conflicts and threatens the very foundations of peace, much attention was given to preparing for the Season of Creation, being observed from September 1 to October 4 across the country, in keeping with this year's global theme - ‘Peace with Creation.’
Bishops led meditation on God's creation. Photo: EELC/communication
Bishop Baiguele Jean - Nation can only be built on peace, truth, justice, and reconciliation. Photo: EELC/communication
Christians worldwide celebrate the Season of Creation with ecumenical prayer and action to protect God’s creation, acknowledging that humanity’s well-being is interwoven with that of the earth.
Reforestation is a vital step in restoring our ecosystems and safeguarding our planet. This simple, yet meaningful, action must become a shared habit if we are to ensure a sustainable future.
Mrs. Thérèse Nocke, Operational Manager of the ELCC’s environmental project
Mrs. Thérèse Nocke, Operational Manager of the ELCC’s environmental project, urged church leaders to use the Season of Creation as an opportunity to raise community awareness and restore degraded lands. She emphasized the urgent need to rebuild ecological balance and encouraged everyone to actively participate in protecting the environment. “Reforestation is a vital step in restoring our ecosystems and safeguarding our planet. This simple, yet meaningful, action must become a shared habit if we are to ensure a sustainable future.”
Participants were also invited to reflect on God’s creation as revealed in Scripture, and to integrate this understanding into their ministry.
As a Church, let us affirm that nation-building can only be rooted in peace, truth, justice, and reconciliation—and that violence has never provided a lasting solution.
Rev. Dr. Baiguélé Jean, National Bishop of the ELCC
Ensuring peaceful elections
Rev. Dr. Baiguélé Jean, National Bishop of the ELCC, said the meeting provided an ideal opportunity for the Church to reflect on its role in safeguarding peace during the elections.” He emphasized that, in the run-up to the presidential elections, church leaders have a crucial responsibility to raise awareness among young people—encouraging them to avoid violence in all forms and to use social media responsibly.
“As a Church, let us affirm that nation-building can only be rooted in peace, truth, justice, and reconciliation—and that violence has never provided a lasting solution.”
ELCC, with more than 700,000 members, is one of two member churches of the LWF in Cameroon.
With elections just around the corner in Cameroon, our churches must urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace, for without peace, no development can take root.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Dawai, Regional Secretary for Africa
Rev. Dr. Samuel Dawai, Regional Secretary for Africa, said, “With elections just around the corner in Cameroon, our churches must urge all stakeholders to prioritize peace, for without peace, no development can take root. We congratulate the ELCC for the themes addressed at this National Pastors’ Retreat.”
Mrs NOCKE Therese - Everyone should participate in environmental protection. Photo: EELC/communication
Group discussion on climate justice and the role of the ELCC in preserving peace. Photo: EELC/communication
